By Robbie Jamison, Staff Writer — The upcoming varsity basketball team is an unusually young one. The team consists of seven seniors, one junior and five sophomores.

Since there is only one junior, the current five sophomores are receiving an opportunity most do not get, especially at a division one school.

Most high school basketball players play on the freshmen team, then junior varsity for one to two years followed by varsity their junior and senior year. In this case, these five players played J.V. their freshman year and now they have earned their spot on the varsity team as sophomores.

“My expectations for us this season is to win all the games we are expected to win and try to win a few games we shouldn’t, also to peak by tourney time,” Coach Jack Greynolds said.

Coach Greynolds’ main goal for these sophomores is to develop throughout the year. Coach Greynolds said they are being given a great opportunity to gain valuable experience that most players are not able to experience until junior year.

“Every player has their ups and downs during the course of the season but it is important for us to never point fingers and to most importantly play as a team,” Greynolds said. “Playing as a team and gaining that chemistry will lead to success and improvement.”

The five sophomores have been playing together for five consecutive years on different Plain Local teams such as travel ball and the summer league. The players feel this has helped them bond together and make them play as more of a team.

Many of the sophomores have good attitudes which Greynolds loves, allowing players to make a name for themselves on the varsity court.

“I feel I earned my starting spot by consistently working hard and being a skilled shooter,” sophomore Jordan Greynolds said.

Jordan’s personal goal is to win at least 15 regular season games and receive the honor of first team Federal League. Jordan also realizes it is very unique for him to have his dad, Coach Jack Greynolds be his coach on such a big stage.

“I believe I made varsity because I have a positive attitude and work to my full potential every day,” sophomore Luke Brand said.

Brand says he’s very excited for the season to start. His goals consist of winning games the team is not suppose to win and to play as well as he can during games.

“I feel I have prepared myself for this varsity season because I got better and stronger in the offseason by playing AAU and lifting,” point guard Corvay Chapman said.

Chapman is eager for the season to begin and his team goal is to do better than last year. His personal goal is to contribute to the team every game and hopefully lead them to a victory.

This group is eager to work hard and excel.

[Updated Aug. 13, 2017: This article has been reformatted for consistency.]