Boys basketball coach Eric Hammond knows his team is close.

That much is evident after two games this week. North lost at West on Tuesday by nine and last night to Goddard by three at the AVCTL/GWAL challenge at Koch Arena.

“I believe our team has to continue to demonstrate good practice habits and remain confident in our abilities as a team,” Hammond said.

Through three games, junior Emmanuel Gonzalez is leading the team in scoring at 10 points per game.

North led Goddard by five in the first half but turnovers and missed free throws allowed Goddard to take the lead for good. North missed 14 free throws in the game.

However, Hammond believes as long as his team relies on their strengths, good things will happen.

“I believe our best strength is our wings and guards ability to be aggressive on both ends of the floor,” Hammond said. “When they are engaged and attack the basket, finding their open teammates, and giving an all-in effort on defense, good things happen for us.”