While the record may not have been what Cloverdale boy's basketball coach Karl Turk wanted this year, he understands what is at stake when his team enters the Greencastle Sectional next week. 

At 2-20 with a game against Sullivan slated for Tuesday, Turk said the opportunity to play for a title has "invigorated" the Clovers.

"The season definitely was tough with all the circumstances involved in a 2-20 record, the opportunity for postseason play and compete for a championship

has invigorated the team. We are as healthy as we are going to be and have been for months, and we just came off a senior night win over Eminence that was reflective of the excitement and purpose that the players have shown preparing for the postseason," Turk told The Putnam County Post. 

Turk said for a basketball person, the upcoming state tournament is the "most wonderful time of the year."

"Today, I had the opportunity to explain to a coach from out of state that in Indiana all teams go to the postseason, something that doesn't happen in all states. Whereas in other states many teams, once they realize that how their season has gone will keep them from the postseason, attitudes and effort are compromised. With us, we are becoming more energized," Turk said. 

They will need to be energized as Cloverdale opens the sectional tournament on Feb. 27 in the opener against North Putnam (14-8). The Cougars captured the Putnam County Tournament this year and have two wins over the Clovers already this season. 

"North Putnam certainly is one of the two "favorites" and they come into the tournament as winners of nine straight and having recently been crowned again county champions. They have distinct experience, height, and continuity

advantages that will be difficult for us to overcome; yet we relish the challenge. We have played them 2 times this year, both resulting in lopsided North Putnam victories; yet in significant portions of each game we have played well," Turk said.

To pull off the upset and then win a sectional crown, Turk said Cloverdale has to continue to build continuity, partial out sentiments associated with portions of the season that did not go their way and put together its most comprehensive efforts of the season. 

"Certainly, the full-time varsity players will have to be at their very best, but they must also be joined by poised younger players that have moved into supporting roles," Turk said.