A lot can happen in two weeks.

That is the amount of time it has been since the Charles Henderson Trojans basketball team played a game.

However, since that time, the Trojans have not been up to too much besides practice –something CHHS head coach Carl Hollis did not necessarily want.

“We are doing alright,” the coach said during the team’s practice Monday night at the Academy Gym.

“I am wishing we were preparing for a gym tonight as opposed to practice though.”

The last time the Trojans were in action against an opponent besides itself was on Dec. 4 – three-point loss to Jeff Davis High School at home.

“Practice does not bring the kind of intensity that playing a game brings,” Hollis said. “I am hoping we didn’t forget what that intensity is like.”

While the team may have a long delay between games, it has given the players and the coaches an opportunity to become a better ball club.

“[The layoff] has given us time to understand each other better and fix some problems we have had throughout the first couple of games.”

“I like this team’s attitude,” the coach said.

“Like every team we have our bumps, but this time off has given us a chance to get rid of our pimples.”

After winning three of its first four games, the Trojans have dropped two of its last three – giving CHHS a 4-3 record.

Starting on Friday, the team will begin the second half of the season.

“The team has been receptive to what we are trying to teach – which is always important.

“We are going to be able to tell a lot about where we are on Friday,” Hollis added.

The Trojans will hit the road to play an opponent it has already beaten once this season in Barbour County — however according to Hollis, his team is going to have to play its best basketball to make it two-in-a-row against the Jaguars.

“[Barbour County] is talented, they have a lot of experience and a team filled with players who love the game – plus they can shoot, from anywhere on the court.

“They are probably the best shooting team we will see all season. They are not going to just roll over, they fight for everything,” Hollis said.

When speaking about this own team, the coach said that he was unsure how the team will respond to such a big game in a hostile environment.

“Sometimes, you have those teams that are satisfied with one big win and then quit the rest of the way.

“I don’t know how this team is going to play – I am not sure if they are ready to put it all on the line, day-in and day-out,” Hollis said.

When asked what the remedy is to prepare his team for what’s to come the remainder of the season – the coach had two things in mind.

“The only thing I can to do is to keep teaching and to build a relationship with the team.

“This team is beginning to believe in themselves and believe in each other, and that is a huge step for any team,” the coach added.

The Trojans will look to take that next step this Friday on the road at Barbour County.