The start of the boys basketball season has been met with tough competition. With rivals as determined as they are to win, holding them off has been a difficulty for the team. Despite the occasional close matches, especially against Hopewell at the start of the season, success seems to be distant. 

With the graduation of many players and a new coach from last year to this year, rough patches are inevitable. Regardless, each player has been learning more and working to turn their faults into strengths. The team had their last game before the holidays on Dec. 22 against Mohawk before taking a break to refresh and prepare for the rest of the season. The team ended the year with a losing score of 62-21, but they also had a vision to return better than ever.

“The holiday break helped with the team’s mentality. Even though everyone on the team loves the game, the break was refreshing,” senior John Hartley said.

They came back from their moments of relaxation to face Elwood City on Jan. 5. While the game was originally scheduled to be held at Freedom, sports conflicts led to the game being played at Elwood. The night ended with a losing score of 69-32. Their following games were unfortunately not much better, with a loss against Beaver Falls by a score of 60-41 and against Riverside by a score of 42-23.

Despite the first games of the new year ending unfavorably, the team pulled off its first win on Jan. 16 against New Brighton with a score of 58-50. Regardless of their first few games in the new year not making a positive impact on the scoreboard, the team’s improvements are clear. They have had time to acclimate to the changes the season has brought and perform better. They have been playing harder than ever before, putting their all into each match. 

“I think the team as a whole is improving. Of course, in a team game, there will always be people not doing their best and miscommunications, but that’s when your teammates give 110% and everyone supports each other,” Hartley said.

The team has not given up hope of improving upon last year. Every misstep taken has been an opportunity to become greater. As the month ends, they have four more games in February to prove their growth.

“I think we can play a little more together instead of playing as individuals. I think that when we do that, we will start seeing the outcome we want,” senior Logan Bickerstaff said.

With the mindset that the team possesses, it is only a matter of time until the team brings home more wins and closer matches. The motivation for success and willingness to change have already been apparent in their recent matches, and it should only become more apparent as they face off against their coming opponents: Beaver Falls, Riverside, New Brighton and Cornell.