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A month into the regular season with the majority of league games yet to be contested, the Archbishop Murphy boys basketball team is still a work in progress.

The Wildcats (1-1 in the league, 3-4 overall) opened Wesco 2A/3A play with a decisive 85-48 victory over Oak Harbor and then fell 63-40 to Stanwood in mid-December.

“In both of the games, there were things we could have done better,” Wildcats coach Len Bone said. “We’re halfway into the season and we’re still trying to get better in several areas.”

Archbishop Murphy closed out 2019 with a 61-52 victory over Fife on Saturday, Dec. 28, and a 45-34 loss to Cedar Park Christian on Monday, Dec. 30, in nonconference play.

The loss to the Lions highlighted some offensive struggles for the Wildcats, who scored only 11 points in the first half.

“We didn’t shoot real well or execute real well against a good defense,” Bone said. “So part of it was on us, and I think a big part of it was them.”

Bone said Archbishop Murphy needs to run its offense better and also improve on its rebounding; 6-foot-5 junior forward Lukas Doyle is the team’s tallest player, with the rest of the squad mostly in the 5-10 to 6-1 range. 

“Because we’re small, rebounding is an area that we need to focus on,” Bone said. “We also need to take care of the ball. Some games we’ve been very efficient – less than 10 turnovers. A couple of games we’ve turned the ball over too much.

“Running the offense and turnovers kind of go hand in hand.”

The Wildcats bring back a little more experience than in previous years, with six seniors.

The two most consistent are point guard Jaxon Miller and forward Doyle.

Miller runs the offense and also puts up the points.

“He’s shooting the ball well,” Bone said. “He’s efficient. He knows what we’re doing. He’s a good competitor. He’s a good thinker and a good leader.”

Doyle scores most of his baskets with his inside game.

“He’s added a couple of moves,” Bone said. “He’s lighter than he was last year. He’s quicker. He’s a pretty good scorer inside when we get him the ball. Other teams know that.”

Bone is expecting other Wildcats to step up their game and support Miller and Doyle.

“I like our guys. I think it’s a great group of guys who have a chance to get better,” Bone said.