Around this time every year, Roughies’ head coach Eric Snyder begins to look at the initial possibilities of his team’s chances of making the district playoffs. The Roughies began the season two years away from postseason play, their last visit being a pair of appearances in the district finals in 2013 and 2014.

With a 55-48 win over Saucon Valley Monday, Catty got its record back to 2-3 overall. They hosted Northern Lehigh Wednesday and then will host Palmerton Dec. 30 before they return over the holidays with a trip to Palisades Jan. 3.

All three aforementioned teams have struggled in the early going and should be games within the Roughies grasp. They easily could have a .500 or better mark beginning the New Year. It would put them on a path to achieve either 11 overall wins or eight league wins that would earn them a playoff ticket.

This season, the Roughies have overcome the problem of scoring that has plagued them in recent years, as they averaged just over 60 points per contest through their first five contests.

“We think we can be in a good situation if we play the way we are capable of,” said Snyder. “Scoring was an issue for us in the past couple of seasons. But we have been shooting the ball well and we putting up some numbers. Now, we just have to be better in stopping people.”

Junior Isaiah Graves has been averaging nearly 25 points per game and is among the leaders in the Lehigh Valley. Graves scored all of the team’s 18 points in their first quarter against Saucon Valley.

“Isaiah (Graves) certainly can score and he has been aggressive for us so far,” added Snyder. “We know that he always can score, but we don’t want to play ‘Isaiah ball.’ There have been times early when players wouldn’t shoot and pass it to him.

“Lately, though, we have been spreading the ball around more, and that will be a key for us.”

Snyder noted the contributions of junior guard Andrew Brett and freshman forward Jalen Green, who have been steady contributors throughout.

“Brett is a very smart player,” said Snyder. “He has a standing jump shot that has been getting better, and he isn’t afraid to battle down low. Jalen (Green) is going to be a special player. He is still young, but he has all of the aspects of the game. He has been maturing every game for us.

“Cam Ritter also has done a nice job for us. He is another guard who is a gritty player and bangs the boards for us.”

With a maturing club, Snyder is confident his team can work to overcome their lack of height this season.

“We have been doing a nice job offensively,” he said. “We were glad to get the Palmerton game during break. This isn’t a big team, but they do play with a lot of heart.”