This year, the boys varsity basketball season did not begin the way the team had initially planned. After a difficult start to the year with seven consecutive losses, each player had to learn how to stay determined and work together to turn things around.

As the season progressed, the team showed perseverance, resilience and showed significant improvement as they continued to confront both challenges and achievements on the court.

A major way the team was able to bounce back from a rough start was by supporting each other through their specific struggles and bonding with one another through them, building a strong core relationship between the players.

“Staying with each other and trusting each other really helped us all stay positive through tough times,” junior Jaxson Kendrick said.

Kendrick himself faced an obstacle early in the season after undergoing surgery, which made it difficult to get back into the rhythm of playing on the court. However, he said that the setback ultimately helped him grow as a player. By the end of the season, Kendrick earned Honorable Mention All-Federal League, and Honorable Mention Northeast Inland District, showing his dedication to the team.

Other players said that the rough start helped motivate them to improve.

“We started off bad going 0-7, but we picked it back up,” senior Breeson Jones said. Jones added that the team improved both mentally and physically as the season went on, showing overall improvement.

Team chemistry played a major role in helping players stay positive. Many said that some of their favorite moments looking back did not even happen during games, but instead anywhere they could spend time together as a team.

“Probably the locker room after a win,” junior Robert Uta said when asked about his favorite memory from the season.

Outside of school events, players said the team often spent time together supporting one another and building close connections. Kendrick said the team would go out to eat together and attend other teams’ games to scout other players.

Even during difficult times, players said their teammates were their biggest motivation to keep working.

“I just wanted to win with my teammates and get better,” Jones said.

Looking forward, players hope younger athletes that hope to play varsity someday understand the importance of drive and effort.

“Just show up to everything and put in the work,” Kendrick said.