By Evan Skilliter
The Bluffton High School boys' basketball team has posted one of the best starts in team history, boasting a 10-2 record through their first 12 games. The last Bluffton boys' team to enjoy a similar start was the 2006-2007 team that started 9-3 and went on to finish the season with a 15-7 record.
The Pirates, anchored by the leadership of six seniors and five juniors, won their first eight games, including back-to-back overtime thrillers at Bath, which they won 46-42 in double-overtime, and Wapakoneta, a 59-53 victory. The first loss of the Pirates’ season came Jan. 10 on the road in a 53-65 loss to the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans.
Ninth year head coach Todd Boblitt says the success is due largely in part to the veteran leadership on the team, as well as the ability to use guys from the bench to come in and make plays.
“We have a number of guys who have played significant roles for us over the past several seasons,” said Boblitt. “Our veteran leadership has helped us in that our guys have experienced many in game situations in the past and know how to handle them in the present.”
Bluffton will continue the season tonight against NWC foe Spencerville at home. Bluffton currently sits with a record of 1-1 in what Coach Boblitt calls a balanced Northwest Conference.
While Boblitt believes there is no clear-cut favorite to win the conference championship, he says the Pirates will continue to be competitive if they remain consistent in getting better each day. Boblitt said, ”We still have many areas in which we can grow and improve. As long as our guys continue to be willing learners we will grow and be able to fine tune our strengths.”
Another factor worth noting is the Little Pirate program that Boblitt implemented in 2006, during his first year as head coach. At that time, the current seniors on the team were in fourth grade and just beginning to learn the game. Players would spend Saturday mornings in the high school gym learning the basics from Boblitt, his coaching staff and his players.
As the program progressed, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade teams were formed and players were introduced to Boblitt’s terminology, parts of his play-book and his philosophy at an early age, preparing them for the high school level.
“This program was meant to be and has become the cornerstone of our program,” said Boblitt. “We are currently reaping the rewards of the program. We are excited about what is to come. We believe we are just getting started.”
After the Pirates host Spencerville tonight BHS will begin preparing for their home contest against non-conference opponent Kenton on Tuesday, Jan. 27. They will be on the road the following Friday and Saturday at Allen East and Van Buren, respectively.
