Prior to their first game, the boys basketball team partook in two preseason scrimmages, as well as Mohawk’s tip-off tournament. The first of these scrimmages took place on Nov. 29, where they defeated Rochester Area High School, and the second was on Dec. 3, where they lost to Western Beaver.

“I feel that the scrimmages have gotten us to learn how to work together with each other and what we need to improve on,” senior Steven Leasure said.

They played two games in the tournament, facing off against Union Area and Eden Christian high schools, coming out defeated in both. Each of these games finished with close scores, as the boys lost by 10 points in the first (59-69) and only one in the second (49-48).

“We’ve played some good teams in our preseason scrimmages which have given us that game experience that we needed for when the real season started,” junior Tyler Mohrbacher said.

Following these, the team had their first in-season game on Dec. 11. They opposed New Brighton at home in a neck-in-neck fight that kept the spectators active throughout all four quarters. The final score was 56-60, with New Brighton as the victor. The boys did not let the loss break their hopes for future games, though, and their goals of success remain the same due to their dedication.

“The first game showed us that even on a night where guys aren’t hitting shots, we can still compete with teams. The near win isn’t what adds the motivation,” Leasure said, “It is the competitive drive that everyone on our team has and the anger at losing games, like the one against New Brighton, that gives everyone motivation.”

As they prepare for their upcoming games, the boys keep their expectations high, aiming for playoffs.

“I already know that we will compete every night, but the expectations I have are to finish games and make playoffs for the first time in a long time,” Leasure said.

Additionally, the team is expecting to have a strong season due to their confidence both in themselves and in each other.

“This year everyone is on the same page and aiming at the same high goals. I think the biggest strength this year is that everyone on the court works together and has trust in each other,” Leasure said.
With a rough record behind them from past seasons, the drive in each player is only higher.

“This year’s team just wants it more, I think; that’s all it comes down to, so we gotta go get it,” Mohrbacher said.