BOYS: As a new season approaches, the boys’ basketball team has higher expectations than ever. Despite finishing with a record of 1-18, the boys have high hopes for this season. Junior Andrew Teny said the team is closer than ever this year. “We all joke around with each other like we’re all brothers. That’s the one thing every team should have—closeness. We definitely have that.” As for the playoffs, Teny said as a team they will definitely feed off of the momentum the football has created after making it to the first round of the WPIAL competition. The team hopes they can carry through and hopefully make it to the playoffs, too. Head Coach Tim Morgan also feels the team has playoff potential. “It’s been a long ten years since the boys have made the playoffs. The underclassmen have really stepped up. With a combination of that and our senior leadership, anything is possible,” Morgan said. Assistant Coach Ryan Morgan said the thing he’s most proud of as a coach is “seeing the progress the team makes throughout the year, not only as players, but as young adults.” Senior Forrest Petcovic said his main goal for the team “is to play like a team all four quarters until the clock hits zero.” The boys’ will start their season Dec. 7 at South Side High School in a tournament against other teams in the county. GIRLS: This year, the girls’ basketball team is going to try to dribble, pass, fake and shoot their way into a successful season. Under the new direction of coach John Kaercher, the girls are excited to begin the season. Kaercher will return after being the Assistant Coach for the past two years. Junior Kayla Angeline said, “Kaercher stresses working as a team—a skill any sport should have. He brings teamwork to a whole new level. Throughout my entire basketball career, I’ve never experienced anything like this.” After taking a year off, Seniors Emilee Handyside and Brittany Mavrich, along with Junior Salena Ritorto will join veteran players, Juniors Sydney Kaercher and Joanne Barlamas. Lastly Senior Maddi Lewis, the current school record holder of most 3 point shots in a game for a female. Because of this, the girls feel more comfortable than ever. “We actually have fun. We’re all so close, it’s hard not to,” Junior Salena Ritorto said. The girls will start out their season in a tournament at New Brighton High School on Dec. 7 against several other teams in the area. Last year, the girls finished with a record of 3-18. This season the girls hope to be much more successful. “We’re ready for anything, good or bad. It doesn’t matter what the score is; what matters is that we love the game,” Angeline said.