The boys basketball team has been preparing for the season since summer and anxiously anticipated their first home game on Fri., Dec. 5.

On Fri., Nov. 7 Coach Sam Dentz announced the varsity squad. With most team members returning, they are already familiar with one another.

“I just want to be a leader for the team and help everyone else be better,” junior Amiri Chukwuemeka said.

They know the strengths and skills they each bring to the team, as well as some areas in which they can each improve this season.

“I would probably say experience is my strength,” junior Malique Washington said.

At tryouts there were three things varsity coach Dentz was looking for in a potential player.

“The biggest thing that we are looking for from our prospective players is the full commitment to our program. Being a member of our team requires a great deal of time and sacrifice, not only during the season itself but in the summer months as well,” Dentz said. “In addition to seeking that commitment to the team, we also look closely at character and skill level and ability.”

This season, the team is working hard to reach the playoffs, with Coach Dentz adapting his team to conditioning and workouts.

“We’ve been having good workouts with Coach Bull, I’ve been in the gym getting shots up on my own time and we’ve been having good conditioning with Coach Ward, working on our hips, getting more explosive,” Chukwuemeka said.

Last season the team was not able to make it to the playoffs. They had a record of 10-15. This season, with conditioning and workouts and practice, the boys are preparing for a better season.