In his thirty years coaching at Catasauqua, Eric Snyder hasn’t had a season like this one.

Snyder knew it would be a struggling one, as he lost four starters to graduation and another to a transfer. It would be a season that would clear the board to start over. Expectations weren’t high.

So far, Snyder’s anticiations have been correct. The Rough Riders began the week with a 0-16 record after their latest loss to Salisbury. Yet, Snyder has seen improvements.

“We play hard, and the kids don’t quit,” said Snyder. “We began the year shooting poorly, but lately our shooting hasn’t been that bad.

“But we’re not the most adept basketball team. We can have a good quarter, but we can’t put it all together.”

In our game against Salisbury, we were tied at 10-10 at the end of the first quarter. But we didn’t score in the second quarter.”

Snyder noted a 47-46 loss to Northern Lehigh in which his team had a shot to win it in the final seconds. The Roughies had trouble with a constant press against Saucon Valley that resulted in a lopsided loss.

He has been impressed with the recent play of juniors Bryann Rivera and Irving Torres, both of whom have shot better.

Freshman Matt Fotta continues to impress in the post, and senior Donoven Keys also has improved with his play in the paint.

“Fotta keeps doing well,” said Snyder. “Keys has had some moments recently, and he has shaken off his injury. He has been moving better from block to block.”

Junior Cedric Bright has taken over at the point.

“Cedric has been more assertive,” said Snyder. “He has been driving to the basket, and dishing off. He also has been taking his share of jumpers.”

The Roughies have six games left that began with Southern Lehigh Tuesday, at Fleetwood Wednesday, at Northwestern Friday and Northampton Saturday. They will conclude their season with games at Notre-Dame East Stroudsburg and Moravain Academy the following day.

Catty had a 1-21 season three years ago, and Snyder has never had a winless season.

“We’ll play them and see what happens,” he said. “It has been a very interesting year.”