For a squad with sky-high expectations, it would be easy for the Thurston boys basketball team to feel frustrated after a couple of close early season losses.

The defending Midwestern League champions, the Colts entered the year at No. 7 in the Class 5A coaches poll. On paper, they are one of the more talented contenders in a wide-open division that doesn't feature an obvious state title favorite.

After a blowout win over Central to open the year, Thurston came up narrowly short in a couple of big-time tests — a 67-64 loss to Class 6A Sheldon Dec. 6 at Mac Court and a 48-45 home defeat to Class 5A No. 5 West Albany on Dec. 9.

There has been no sense of panic, though. Far from it.

"We say it a lot, 'Have a goldfish mindset,'" Thurston senior guard Lucas LaBounty said. "'Lose your memory

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