With several key players gone from last year’s team, and no one returning who averaged more than six points per game, expectations could have fallen off at Bishop McGuinness this year.

While the Irish have been inconsistent to start the season, neither the expectations nor the potential to achieve them have dipped.

After a couple of early season losses, the Irish, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A, earned a solid 52-42 victory over Class 3A No. 3 Millwood on Saturday at the Deer Creek Festival.

“We’re kind of a bipolar team right now,” McGuinness coach Tondrell Durham said with a laugh. “Give it a couple months and I think we’ll start gelling.

“I think we’ve got an opportunity to get to state, at least. You never know what will happen when it comes down to the playoffs.”

Guard Jameel Whitney is the team’s lone returning starter, while only Kevin Caruthers and Mathew Christiansen got regular playing time last season.

Christiansen, now a 6-foot-8 sophomore, led the Irish with 13 points Saturday. He and fellow sophomore Joe Edmonds have emerged as key players along with seniors Whitney and Caruthers.

“We’re all kind of filling roles,” Edmonds said. “It took awhile, but we’re starting to get there.

“Offensively, we’re averaging 55-60 points a game. If we can get our defense up, we’ll be good.”

And McGuinness is working to develop its depth, which includes contributions from another sophomore, Mikey Wilson.

“When you’ve got young kids like that, the future could be pretty bright for your program,” Durham said. “If I think they need to be out there, I’m gonna put them out there, and they’ve held their end so far.”

Christiansen gives the Irish a long, athletic inside presence, while the 6-foot-5 Edmonds can play inside and out. Combined with their quickness and leadership at guard, the Irish appear to have the total package.

“I feel the ceiling is very high for this team,” Christiansen said. “I think we’ll surprise a lot of people, because we lost a lot of players from last year.”

Note: IOD wasn’t able to be there at the game, so we dont’ have any analysis for you, so hopefully this article can hang you guys over.
(courtesy The Oklahoman)