Delhi High varsity boys basketball has seen some early growing pains during the start of the 2017-18 winter season after the Hawks graduated two of their all-league selections in Arnold Perez and Chance Browning.

Delhi's record is currently at 2-6 overall after the Hawks fell to Summerville on Monday, 52-31.

“We are not digging deep or playing with heart. We need to fight and each ball game we have to show that grit and determination and that fight to get over that hump,” said Delhi head coach Brian de la Porte. “We’ve been close, but tonight was a step back to what we are progressing to, so we need to get back to practice and work on those things.”

Only four players scored in Monday's loss. Aiden Rocha led all with 20 points. Three others combined for the other 11 points.

“They have done a good job, but we are this close to overcoming that hump, up until tonight, but once league rolls around I still believe we can beat anybody,” said de la Porte.

Southern Athletic League play will kick off for the Hawks on the road at Gustine at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3.

Before then, they will have four more non-conference games, including a road game at Hilmar followed by concluding non-league with a home contest against Turlock Christian on Dec. 29.

Prior to the loss against Summerville, Delhi looked competitive against Pacheco on Dec. 12 after they fell by only two points, 44-42.

On Monday, Delhi started out competitive, trailing by only five points in the second at 20-15. Summerville managed to close out the first half with a 13-5 run to lead 33-20 at the half.

Summerville outscored Delhi in the second half, 19-11.

“The three Ps — purpose, poise and passion that is it,” said de la Porte. “We talk about the three Ps, play like that, it is huge, we are trying to get better and we have to bring that every game and tonight we didn't. We want more passion, more purpose and more poise than what we showed tonight.”

Delhi will next travel to Sacramento for a two-day road trip in back-to-back games, first against Encina Prep followed by a game against Golden Sierra at the Mesa Verde Small School Challenge.

“We go up to Sacramento, so outside the area which is good. Hopefully, we use the overnight trip for some team bonding and maybe regroup after tonight's loss,” de la Porte added.

Delhi will take on Encina Prep at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.