Catasauqua head boys basketball coach Eric Snyder recalled the 2000 season during which his team was in a similar situation.

Back then, the Roughies were floundering with a few wins, but they rallied down the stretch and won eight of their last nine games to qualify for a district spot. That squad eventually moved on to the district semifinals where the season ended in a loss to Notre Dame.

Heading into this week, Catty has an overall 2-11 record and a 1-6 slate in the Colonial League. With all league games remaining, the Roughies would need a 7-2 mark down the stretch to record an 8-8 league record, good enough to qualify for the postseason.

Despite seeing his team losing seven of its last eight games, Snyder is optimistic they can turn the tide.

"The kids haven't stopped working," said the veteran coach. "It can be done. We just have to play like we are capable. We just have to go out there and play a full 32 minutes."

Snyder cited his team playing well in their win over Moravian Academy last Friday in which senior guard Dakota Schiffer had a game-high 35 points.

The following day, the Roughies traveled across the border and played a tight game in their annual meeting against Phillipsburg.

Catty trailed 20-10 at halftime, but they played the Stateliners relatively even in the second half, eventually dropping a 44-31 decision.

Against Phillipsburg, Schiffer had a team-high 10 points, and Kevin Bond and Dave Wetherhold had eight points apiece.

"Both teams really didn't shoot well in the beginning," referred Snyder to the Phillipsburg game. "It just wasn't a good offensive game and it may have to do with both of s playing Friday night. But we just couldn't get it done at the end."

Snyder regrets his team wasting a possible opportunity during a 48-46 defeat to Northern Lehigh earlier in the week.

In the waning seconds, Catty had a chance to win it when they set up a shot to Schiffer over half court, but his three-point attempt didn't fall as the buzzer sounded.

Northern Lehigh drilled eight three-pointers to account for half of their points from beyond the arc, and Snyder was pleased with his team's defensive effort.

"That was heartbreaking for us," said Snyder about the loss. "We were playing man-to-man defense and we can't allow that many three pointers. We also worked to get the ball over half-court to have either Dakota (Schiffer) or Dave (Wetherhold) to take the final shot.

"Plus, we were up four to six points at times, but their (Northern Lehigh) three-point shooting killed us."

The Roughies began the week hosting Northwestern Tuesday and then traveled to Salisbury Thursday.

It will be the beginning of a true test of character.

"If we had two or three league wins at this point, it would be easier," offered Snyder. "Northwestern has been playing better, but who are we to judge anyone right now. As the saying goes, we are what our record says it is. The kids are still confident and we just have to execute and play good defense."