Men’s basketball team remains in the playoff hunt as it approaches second half of conference play

The Hill College men’s basketball team is still very much in the playoff hunt as it approaches the end of the first half of conference play.

Although the Rebels are currently 1-2 in the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference standings, they narrowly lost their last two games – including a heartbreaking 90-85 overtime loss to Temple College, who currently sits atop the conference undefeated at 4-0.

“I think our biggest adjustments moving forward are managing those things we are good at, and to let our opponents adjust to us,” Hill College Men’s Head Basketball Coach Swede Trenkle said. “Also, we need to stay out of foul trouble.”

Trenkle also said offensively, the Rebels tend to play their best when they are able to maintain a rhythm.

“Defensively, we have a few players who need to work on not giving up the middle penetration,” he added, “but overall, I think we are playing very well.”

Right now, the Rebels are tied for fifth place in the NTJCAC standings, but they will get another opportunity to play everyone one more time as the second half of conference play begins on Feb. 12.

“Any team can beat anyone this season,” Trenkle said. “It is a relatively balanced conference this year.”

Upcoming key home games include McLennan Community College on Jan. 29, Collin County Community College on Feb. 22, and Ranger College on March 8.