As fall sports wrap up, LSHS boys basketball athletes look forward to tryouts and the beginning of a new season.
But these athlete’s preparation starts long before they even step foot on the court at tryouts. Many basketball athletes spend their offseason eagerly getting ready for the upcoming year.
“Honestly I was just making sure I’m in the gym daily, whether it’s the weight room, whether it’s on the court, or if it’s just getting with some of the guys and just going to hoop,” Senior Bryan Hansen says.
Most LSHS Boys Basketball athletes participate in year-round AAU Basketball teams that allow them to compete against teams from other states, helping them to sharpen their skills.
The boy’s basketball team not only works hard to keep their skill, they also maintain strong relationships with each other.
“I’d say we’re definitely more bonded and know each other very well. And hang out off the court a lot,” Junior Brody Pierpoint says.
Building trust off the court is essential for strengthening the team’s overall chemistry as they prepare for the season.
Setting individual goals is a key component to a successful season for the Boy’s Basketball team. A common goal among many of these athletes includes winning Wesco and being individually awarded first team all Wesco.
A new beginning for the Boy’s Basketball team isn’t without challenges. Six positions remain open on the 12-person roster, which means several new members will be joining the team.
“I think we lost a lot of people last year so we’re going to have a whole new team,” Said sophomore Devin Freeman.
Losing key players from last season could potentially hinder this year’s team to start the season cohesively. However, many returners believe this is the year they will beat upcoming in-conference rivals, such as Glacier Peak and Kamiak. Last year Boys Basketball ended up placing 4th in Wesco, falling behind Glacier Peak, Jackson, and Kamiak.
Ending their season with a loss against Woodinville, left them unsatisfied and eager to compete hard and fight the next season.
“You know we are coming in underrated, but we’re going to prove a lot of people wrong,” Said Junior Daniel Ngezaho.
