by Victoria Ramirez | staff writer
The varsity basketball team is ready to start their season with a scrimmage against NISD’s Stevens set for Nov 13.
“We are practicing a lot, we have to wake up early, but it all is worth it. We also run a lot for conditioning, which helps us stay on the court, take more shots, and be able to out run any team,” senior Tyrese Rodgers said.
Having only a few seniors, this year the boys plan to step up and take initiative into getting the boys game day ready.
“This year I believe we have around seven of us [seniors], so we try to lead by example, at practice we go hard no matter what we’re doing and we try to help all the underclassmen learn the plays and know where they’re supposed to be at all time,” Rodgers said.
According to head varsity coach James Keller, most of the boys are returning to varsity with hopes of going as far as possible.
“We have 7 seniors this year. We have a great group of seniors who lead by example. All but one of our underclassmen have spent time on Varsity, so we have tons of experience returning,” Keller said.
To be able go undefeated in district the boys need to put in a lot of work to be able to beat all other teams.
The Jags are also working to be ready a variety of opponents.
“Obviously, it is hard to simulate our opponents in practice. Our non-district schedule is very tough. Hopefully by the time we get to district, we will be prepared to be competitive in the district race,” Keller said.
And for this team, chemistry can be key.
“In high school athletics, I believe team chemistry plays an enormous role in a team’s success. This year our team’s chemistry is by far the best. I have been around in my 28 years of coaching. I am hoping it will continue throughout the year,” Keller said.
According to Rodgers the boys team bonding is doing better than ever allowing them to work harder and together.
“Our team’s chemistry is really good, it’s better than it was last [year]. We’re not as separated as we were last year and we are hanging out more and talking more, which helps us out on the court. [That] helps us because we know where each other is going to be,” Rodgers said.
Since the season has not yet started the boys are preparing by, not only putting in time practicing during school, but time outside as well.
“We have been working out during fifth period for the past two months. Starting last week, we were able to practice in the morning or the afternoon,” Keller said. “The boys have been getting here at 5:45 am to prepare for our first scrimmage. We work on fundamentals, skills, team drills, and plays.”
