Through their first nine games, Catasauqua’s boys’ basketball team has experienced its share of growing pains.

The Roughies have been in their share of games this winter, but their lack of experience hasn’t allowed them to close the door. As a result, Catty has struggled with an overall 1-8 mark, its lone win at Pen Argyl (51-40) Dec. 17.

“We play hard, but we eventually run out of gas,” said head coach Eric Snyder. “We shoot ourselves in the foot with unforced turnovers.

“One of our big faults is missing very makable shots.”

Snyder noted situations in the Roughies’ recent two losses in which they couldn’t convert in a key spot. The Roughies dropped an 80-53 decision to Wilson Jan. 3, and suffered 61-45 loss to Northern Lehigh the following night.

“Against Wilson, we just panicked against their press in the second quarter,” he said. “Northern Lehigh was leading 36-32 when they missed a three-pointer. We didn’t box out and one of their kids stepped back and hit a three.

“A lot of it is about experience. Most of our seniors didn’t play varsity as juniors. This really is a new situation for them. We are also struggling to score and we do have some height issues.”

Snyder has been impressed with the continuing development of sophomore center Derek George.

“He has exceeded my expectations,” said Snyder about George. “He has been playing better than I thought he would. He is doing a nice job at center for us.”

The Roughies’ sophomore class is laced with unbound potential. Cole Schiffer has done a steady job at the point on the JV team, and he recently did an admirable job giving varsity starter Cody Velez some time.

Post players Donovan Walakovits and Ty Reitz along with swingman Derek Troxell are also key players on the Roughies’ JV team that has played well all season.

“They have won a lot of close games,” said Snyder. “There are 15 sophomores and they really played the game well and support each other. They all can have a bright future.”

In the meantime, the Roughies will have a challenging well ahead with Colonial League leader Moravian Academy Thursday, Northwestern Friday, and Northampton Saturday.

“It can be a rough week,” said Snyder. “We just have to keep executing and avoid mistakes.”