Article published Jan 8, 2007 CMA playing catch-up MATT KOPSEA Tribune Staff Writer The Christmas holiday season usually means good and bad news for the Culver Military Academy boys basketball team. While spending quality time with family and friends is essential, being away from the basketball court for nearly a month has its drawbacks. Idle since posting a 64-35 victory over Lakeland Christian on Dec. 15, the Eagles (5-2) finally get back on the floor Saturday when they travel to Pioneer. "Our guys were just starting to get familiar with playing together, so this winter break really didn't help us," said CMA coach Tommy Mascari. "Since we didn't start practicing again until (last) Thursday, we will basically have to start over again. Hopefully, the fact we're an older group should help us get through some things quicker than others. "Being counted to help with the process are guards Jake Kohr and Patrick Graff. "Part of our success early on has been that our guards are taking much better care of the ball," Mascari explained. "Our turnovers have decreased and the fact we're shooting over 50 percent from the field as a team isn't bad either." A couple of the "newcomers" making an impact are Remigijus Untilis (17.7 points per game) and Giedrius Lopeta (16.8 ppg), who are both from Lithuania. "These kids are very talented, but they're just now starting to get adjusted to playing in the U.S.," Mascari said. "It took awhile for everyone to get used to each other and we've still got a lot of work to do. "I think our players are finally beginning to understand their roles and what they can do individually to help the team. Every game someone different has stepped up for us. We have two guys scoring in double figures and three others that are capable. This is the most balanced team that I've had in my eight years at CMA, so I'm really excited about our chances for success."