High schools: Different look, but same old Putnam City Pirates

On the court, the Pirates are blessed with versatility. They can go with a more traditional two-forward set, use only a single post, or play to their quickness with a five-guard look.

When you're relying on so many young players, there will be hiccups, like the two-loss outing at the Bixby Tournament earlier this month.

And there could be some more learning experiences this week at the Wildcat Holiday Classic in Pensacola, Fla., against some strong out-of-state competition. The Pirates begin action Monday against Pensacola-based Escambia High School.

But here's the key that will keep PC around in March: they play Burtschi ball. Hard work on defense, team first on offense. The latter quality hasn't always come naturally to some recent Pirate teams, but this year appears to be a different story.

“Since we're so young, we know we have to work harder to get there at the end of the year,” said Goldsmith, an athletic 6-foot-6 forward. “Most other teams have seniors to rely on. We're the youngest team coach Burtschi has ever had.

“We're not great yet, but we're gonna get there.”