The Celtics (2-3, 1-2 Ohio Capital Conference Cardinal Division) have yet to string together consecutive wins, but if they could do it this week against a pair of non-league teams, the result would be quite welcome .

Not only would that put Jerome on the winning side of the ledger, the victories would come against cross-town rivals. There's a visit to Dublin Scioto (6-0) Thursday (7:30 p.m.) before Dublin Coffman (5-1) invades Friday (7:30 p.m.).

"We're the underdog going into both games," coach Kevin Alkire said. "Two wins would be a belated Christmas gift or an early New Year's gift."

Starting with the 2008-09 school year, Jerome and Scioto will be in the same OCC division. Alkire said the Dublin schools competing against each other is a good situation.

"I don't have a problem with it," he said. "Scioto and Coffman play in football. It's helped both schools and is good for community. It's going to showcase Dublin athletes."

The Celtics won a thriller against visiting Pickerington Central Dec. 15 on a buzzer-beater, but dipped with a 65-42 loss at Westerville South Thursday.

"It was disappointing we didn't handle their pressure," Alkire said. "It's just as difficult as Pickerington Central's. Those two and Olentangy are the best teams with the most experience coming back .

"We handled one team's pressure well, but against Westerville South we made 24 turnovers. Consistency of play isn't where we need it to be."

Kyle Ferguson, the Celtics' leading scorer, netted 15 against the Wildcats. It was the second straight game Ferguson scored 15. The senior has scored in double figures in four of the five games so far.

Alkire would like to see Ferguson score even more.

"Kyle is the most athletic player we have," Alkire said. "We've got to look to get Kyle some more shots. He's been the most consistent scorer."

Ferguson can't do it alone, though.

"Against Westerville South we put him in the post and threw the ball into him a couple of times and there were three guys around him," Alkire said. "He has to learn to kick it out. It should open up chances for other people."