The weather isn't the only thing that has been a little cold the last few weeks. The Northgate boys' basketball team has lost five games in a row.

Flames' head coach Perry Harrop attributes the team's struggles to their turnover woes.

"Turnovers are a major issue," he said. "It is a season-long problem."

Harrop said that Northgate is turning over the ball about once in every three possessions. He noted that teams he has coached in the past had turnover averages below 20 percent.

Harrop said that the Flames also are having trouble converting foul shots.

The Flames are now 2-6 overall on the season, and 0-2 in section play.

Northgate's latest loss, on Jan. 5, came at the hands of section opponent Bishop Canevin, 66-36. Sophomore center Jon Girvin had 14 points, while junior forward Josh Douglass added 10.

The Flames traveled to Mars for tournament play on Dec. 28 and 29. They opened the tourney with a loss to Mars, 66-50. Douglass finished with 18 and Girvin with 10 on the night. Northgate followed that loss with another to Sto-Rox the next day, 85-58. Girvin and senior guard Chris Mangel each had 16 points. Girvin also was named all-tourney for his performance.

On Dec. 22, the Flames hosted Carlynton. Although Girvin continued to lead the team in scoring - picking up 22 points, 20 in the first half - Northgate fell 56-49. Harrop said that one Carlynton player had 35 of the team’s 56 points. Douglass finished with 12 points on the night.

Northgate was on the road on Dec. 19 to play Springdale. Harrop said that the Flames struggled against Springdale's man-to-man defense, losing 52-43. Douglass scored 14, and Mangel had 11 points.

Harrop said that the team is working every day in practice at reducing the number of turnovers and said that they are really drilling for Friday, when the Flames host section-opponent Fort Cherry at 7:30 p.m.