Randolph Jackson is encouraged by what he's seen from his Harry S. Truman boys basketball team.

While the Tigers are 0-8 overall, they have been considerably more competitive in their six Suburban One League Patriot Division games than was the case in 2022-23 during Jackson's first season as head coach.

A year ago with no seniors in the starting lineup, Truman (2-19 overall) dropped its 16 SOL games by an average of 32.1 points, with no game closer than 20.

So far this season, the Tigers' average margin of defeat vs. SOL opponents is 16.3 points, with an eight-point loss (39-31) at defending division champion Pennsbury and a 13-point verdict against current division leader Bensalem (71-58).

"We're competing and we're in games," Jackson said. "We want to win. We just need one. From last year to this year, it's almost a 180-degree turnaround."

Junior Tre Winton and sophomore Jaden Luchansky feel the same way.

"We're playing together more and as a team this year," Winton said. "We're not being greedy, sharing the ball more and are more engaged. … I think if we get one (win), it's going to build our confidence up and make us hungrier for more."

"If we win one, we'll know we can fight with other teams and become winners," Luchansky said.

30 boys basketball players to watch: In the Bucks County area

Winton made an impact as a sophomore and is even more of an offensive factor as Truman's leading scorer this winter. He had 19 points in a 45-42 non-league loss to MaST Charter.

"He's our guy," Jackson said. "He gets us going. Tre's a one-man fast break. He's still learning the game, but he can get us a bucket."

Aaron Nathan, a 6-foot-6 senior, joins Winton and sophomores Brandon Armond, Davae Vaughn and Luchansky in the starting lineup, with sophomore Juliun Rogers as the sixth man. Winton, Luchansky and senior Shaq Chapman are the team captains.

"I just think the whole team has more chemistry together," Luchansky said. "Everybody's starting to trust each other. We're friends off the court. We all have different struggles off the court. On the court, we have the same struggles.

"We're rebuilding, but Coach Jackson is sticking with us and has been consistent with us. He's done a great job and is meeting us halfway."

Consistency is still something of a work in progress for the Tigers, despite the strides they've made. Putting together a complete game would increase the chances for a much-wanted victory. The third has tended to be Truman's least productive period.

"We have to play four quarters," Winton said. "We always do well for a half. In the third quarter, we mess up and then the fourth quarter we're down."

"Our thing is Rome wasn't built overnight," Jackson said. "Last year we were blown out every game with a running clock (triggered by a 30-point differential) in the second quarter."

Bensalem excels in boys basketball: Owls rely on balanced scoring, defense to gain SOL top spot

The Tigers have dropped 27 straight SOL games, dating back to a 69-60 win over Central Bucks West in a Jan. 23, 2022, crossover contest under current Conwell-Egan coach Tyrone Lewis. But continuity and the players' commitment give reason for Jackson and company to be upbeat.

"We've had one starting lineup this year and they're all coming to practice and working hard," Jackson said. "I can see the change is happening. They're buying in and staying the course. It will pay off — it's just a matter of time."

Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes.com; @TomMoorePhilly

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Truman working to become more competitive in boys basketball