HU BASKETBALL...Without All-Star Monzano, A bleak year ahead...

The 'Pokes sure miss RMAC all-star Thomas Monzano, who allegedly is playing pro hoops in Europe...Last evening it certainly showed in Pueblo, competing in the Al Kaly Classic against a very good, Midwestern State Mustang (TX) quintet who recently been to the NCAA  Div. II quarter-finals as recent as two years ago. Altho the 'Pokes won the opening tipoff  and drew  first blood, it was all  Mustangs from that point onward, as Highlands shot a very poor 37% field goal percentage, committed 21 turnovers, and had only one player in double figures, newcomer Marcus Williams with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

What also hurt Highlands was their team focus. They weren't patient in moving the ball around for a good shot, and many times threw up air balls and errant 3's...the big difference was that the Mustangs converted 7 of 19  from the 3-point arc.

It's going to be a long season for Highlands;  you can't win if you only have one player in double figures. Thomas Monzano, where are you now that we need  you?