The new boys basketball season has just started, and with that comes the cheering and excitement for the team. Students, family, and staff are looking forward to seeing what the group will accomplish this year.
The team is pleased to have kicked off the official season with a 52-51 victory against Southport on December 5, especially considering that the varsity group is still getting accustomed to playing together.
“This is a new team with little varsity experience, but we get better every day,” Coach Criss Beyers said.
Although the team isn't yet deep into its season, they are still sharpening their skills and putting in effort to prepare for the rest of the season. Team practices have been going on for a while, and the team has been taking advantage of any extra time they can get on the court. Their commitment shows that they communicate and push each other on the little things.
The coaching staff has noticed the team's dedication and strong work ethic.
“We will continue to get better as the season goes along,” Beyers said.
Players say that the team’s great spirit has helped them stay focused. Keeping spirits up can be tough sometimes, but they have found a way.
“Team plays a big role, just everybody having a lot of energy,” junior Roman Barnes said. “It helps a lot with momentum swings and even the crowd being loud, and things like that get everybody hype.”
The training this season has been helping junior Brody Maddox get physically and mentally ready for games, where he hopes to bring the energy to the court and give the crowd something to cheer for.
While Maddox is focused on improving his performance and contributing to the team's success, junior Kaleb Elkins is more focused on creating bonds with his teammates.
“I'm focusing on building new relationships with my team because a lot of us are new to varsity, so building chemistry is important,” Elkins said.
There’s a lot more to team building in basketball than one would think. Elkins values the connection he builds with his teammates, and he said knowing that he can trust and communicate with them on the court is invaluable. Elkins believes this will give them all a better season, so he continues to put effort into making stronger bonds with his team.
This shows how close and tightly-knit the team is. Their tight dynamic shows how much they rely on each other not only as athletes but as friends. This connection gives them confidence as they prepare for the season ahead.
“If there's no chemistry, nobody can see eye to eye,” Maddox said.
With players like Elkins and Maddox working hard both individually and collectively, the team is shaping up to enter the rest of the season with drive and enthusiasm. With the determination and pride the boys basketball team holds, fans may have a great season to look forward to.
The team will face off next against Avon on Dec. 13, and the next home games will be against Crispus Attucks on Dec. 17 and Ben Davis on Dec. 19. The team is eager to get on the court and show the school and their families what they have been working for, with hopes to make this season one to remember.