Emily Sheehan and Mount Mercy Academy are off to a 3-0 start.

Over the past couple of seasons there hasn't been much to cheer about at 88 Red Jacket in South Buffalo when it came to the Mount Mercy Academy basketball team.

The team struggled mightily on the court as they searched for some kind of identity.

Through three games this season, however, the Magic seam to be on the right track.

Mount Mercy has started the season 3-0, winning the West Seneca Tournament, defeating host West Seneca West and Depew, and dismantling Park School, 56-7.

"The girls have really worked hard and we are doing really well so far," stated Mount Mercy Academy coach John Glose, after their win over Park earlier this week. "We have a long season to go and we still have to get in to league play. And our league is the best around. So, we will see."

Confidence has been the biggest factor in the earlier season turnaround for this team. The Magic were able to gut out a tough win over West Seneca West - making key free throws at the end to seal the victory.

In their win over Depew, the Magic overcame a horrible second half - only to outscore the Wildcats 16-4 in overtime.

"I think it was huge [winning the tournament]," stated Glose. "These girls need to get uses to winning. We need to bring a culture of winning back to Mount Mercy and it starts by winning tournament."

Glose has also used these first three games to give all his players minutes and try and find a good rotation.

He has used all 14 players in every game as he gives his bench players and freshmen valuable minutes to see what he has come league play in January.

"This is the deepest team Mount Mercy has had in a long time," explained Glose. "We are playing well. And we are able to give everybody an opportunity to play and they are doing well. We are just trying to get that experience down, so when league rolls around we are ready to go."

All the momentum the Magic have gained early on will have to be put on hold as they face a stretch where they don't play their next game until the Colpoys Tournament Friday and Saturday, Dec. 28 and 29 at Kenmore West.

Despite the long layoff, Glose says it's good for his team and he can practice the fundamentals and work on things that he might not be able to do if he had a busy early schedule.

"It's not going to hurt us [the long layoff]. Because, as the coach, I am not going to let it hurt us," said Glose. "We are going to work extremely hard for the next two weeks and be ready to play for the Colpoys Tournament."

Next up for the Magic is the Colpoys Tournament Friday and Saturday, Dec. 28 and 29. The Magic will open the tournament with a very good Iroquois team on Friday.

Join Mount Mercy Academy, Buffalo Seminary and Metro Group Inc. for a special night on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at Mount Mercy Academy. On that night, Mount Mercy and Buffalo Seminary will play at 6 p.m. with proceeds from the game going to the Wounded Warrior Project. Mount Mercy will be wearing special uniforms for the night.

More about the game and how to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project will be in next weeks South Buffalo Metro. To donate now, go to mtmercy.org, athletics, Wounded Warrior basketball game.