Barrie's tournament losses were 74-24 to Notre Dame Academy (Va.) Friday, 85-26 to Good Counsel Saturday and 60-21 to Chaminade-Madonna (Fla.) Sunday. The team finished in eighth place.

While the first two losses were somewhat understandable considering Notre Dame and Good Counsel's superior depth and talent, Mitchell felt Sunday's loss to an average Chaminade-Madonna team was the most disappointing.

The Mustangs (2-8) fell behind, 22-0, after one quarter and 37-8 by halftime through timid play against their opponent's trapping defense and an inability to keep the Lions off the offensive glass.

His team's slow start Sunday prompted Mitchell to yank all five starters and play his bench players for most of the rest of the game. Michael Band responded with a pair of second-quarter 3-pointers.

"It's hard to explain," Mitchell said. "We're a young team, but at some point in time, we have to grow up and mature. It's taking a long time -- longer than we anticipated as a coaching staff. I wonder if this is going to be a setback or can we bounce back as we approach the PVAC? Disappointed is the only word I can say."

Inspired by their extended bench time, the Barrie starters played much better in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome the brutal start. Perry Graham scored a team-high six points, all in the fourth quarter.

"I've never been challenged quite like this before," Mitchell said. "This is a challenge for me to lead our team out of this situation we're in. The challenge is on my shoulders. I've got a task ahead of me but it can't get worse than this. That's for sure."

Things don't get any easier for the Mustangs, who will participate in Quince Orchard's annually challenging Fight for Sight tournament early next week.