East boys 'hit rock bottom' in 66-57 loss to Chargers

When things aren't going well, it is important to stay positive. And that's what Wauwatosa East boys basketball coach Tim Arndorfer is doing.

The Red Raiders have lost three straight games and four of their last five. They are now in third place in the Greater Metro Conference with a 7-4 record and a 12-6 overall mark. West Allis Central (13-4) took over first with a 9-2 record, one game ahead of Brookfield Central (8-3, 13-5).

The Red Raiders lost at Sussex Hamilton, 66-57, Friday. Before that they dropped games at Menomonee Falls, 63-62, and Waunakee, 60-55.

"We're all frustrated, but the good news is the games have been relatively close," Arndorfer said. "But characteristically we have gotten into holes too big to come out of. We had a good chance against Falls ...

"We are not getting blown out of games. So hopefully we can get everyone healthy and snap out of this."

In Friday's loss at Sussex Hamilton, the Red Raiders let the Chargers jump off to a 17-4 lead after one quarter. The Red Raiders outscored them by four the last three periods but it was not enough to overcome the 13-point first-quarter deficit.

"We had some discipline problems," Arndorfer said. "AC (Anthony Carroll) didn't start. We were also really lethargic out of the locker room at both ends of the floor."

The Red Raiders just couldn't do anything right in the beginning.

"We turned the ball over, didn't make shots and dug a hole we couldn't get out of," Arndorfer said. "We hit rock bottom. When you hit rock bottom, there is only one way to go.

"Hopefully that was a wake-up call for us; we can make a run and get ready for the playoffs."

Brady Ellingson had 22 points and Nick Patterson 11, while Nate Moore led Tosa East with 17 points, Diamonte Mckinley had 15 and Marquise Carter had 10.

"Marquise Carter is our most significant offensive threat the last few games," Arndorfer said. "That is important because we don't have a strong inside presence."

Speaking of inside presence, Bryce Kratzer was getting an MRI on his foot Tuesday and Arndorfer is hoping he can play Friday against West Allis Hale.

Zak Sylvester, a 6-2 forward who had knee surgery, is making progress, but it is not known when he will return.