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RAPIDS -They haven't finished above .500 since 2002, and they didn't get over the top this year, either. But that shouldn't paint the Elk Rapids Elks as a failure by any means. True, the Elks boys basketball team stretched its streak of losing seasons to five straight. Still, there was progress made in several areas which fuels expectations for more improvement next season. Early struggles with turnovers and poor shooting crushed the Elks' hopes of getting off to a good start. In turn, high expectations at the beginning of the season were quickly put on the backburner. Stumbling out of the gate was fatal to the Elks' chances of making a run at the Lake Michigan Conference title. What was most damaging was the Elks' inability to win close games, particularly in the perennially strong LMC. Poor shooting and turnovers reared their ugly heads and smote the Elks just as much as anything the competition did. Defense made the difference in several other games the Elks were able to win, and thus improve their record from a year ago to 8-12 overall and 5-9 in the conference. Sam Wittbrodt and Zac Dreffs provided senior leadership and also gave the Elks an offensive lift. Wittbrodt averaged 12 points a game, while Dreffs scored just under 10 points. Ian Sliger and Garrett Gribi were two defensive stalwarts who usually guarded the opponent's toughest offensive threats. "Anthony Zakrajsek did a fantastic job starting at point guard every game," head coach Andy Kenney said. "His improvements from last year were due to his hard off-season work." Theo Stasch was one of the best utility players I've ever coached. "He was a hard worker in practice and would do anything and play any position in the games." Kyle Crater was a newcomer to Elk Rapids and also worked hard to improve each game and practice to help the team be successful. "There is promise in the group of juniors coming back," Kenney said. Brandan Tully and Charlie Hoch both had several starts at center, and Jared Isenhart is the hardest worker on the team according to Kenney. Andy Tezak, Jimmy Armstrong and Tyler Smith all saw some valuable and solid minutes playing at the guard positions. "I feel that they will work hard in the off-season to be the toughest guards in the area next year," Kenney said. "Our program has struggled some in the last few years, but I feel that more players are working on their skills and playing more basketball in general. "This will allow us to continue to compete with the best in our conference and win some championships."