As his team prepares for the upcoming Class 2A Sectional 44 at Greencastle, first year South Putnam boy's basketball coach Josh Estridge is hopeful the third time is the charm. 

When the Eagles and Greencastle tip off Feb. 28 in the sectional opener, it will mark the third time the two teams have played this year. Greencastle has won the prior two games. 

"Our team is super excited about our draw.  We get to play the host school that happens to be a rival and it is the third time we will get to play them.  We are obviously very familiar with each other and it should make for a great game.  In order for our team to cut down the nets we have to play with consistency on both ends of the court.  On offense, we have to attack the paint and put pressure on the defense, we have to continue to take care of the basketball, and create extra possessions by attacking the glass.  Defensively, we have to continue to have the mindset of making the other team work really hard for any points.  This is something we have done pretty well late in the season.  We will need a high level of communication and finish each possession with a rebound," Estridge told The Putnam County Post.

South Putnam will close out the regular season Friday night at home against Indian Creek. After opening the season 0-4, the Eagles are 7-14 on the year.

"It is Senior night and we are hoping to finish strong.  From a record standpoint the season isn't what we wanted or trained for.  With that being said, our team got better as the season went along.  Our young guys got much more comfortable playing varsity basketball and gained lots of needed experience.  Our older guys have done a good job leading by example and helping implement our system in the first year.  We made a lot of progress and I am happy overall. We have a lot to work on and improve on, but we are looking forward to the challenge as we move forward," Estridge said.