The Westside boys varsity basketball season has officially started. Its first game will be Thursday, Dec. 4. The Warriors will take on the Lincoln Rockets at 7:15 p.m. at Lincoln Northeast. The boys will be coming off of a state runner-up trophy.

“We really emphasize the importance of our defense,” returning varsity player senior KaVon Neelon said. “We as a team know that a poor quality defense will not get us where we want to be. Obviously, winning the state championship would be the goal set for this year.”

Even with only four varsity players returning, the expectations are similar to past years.

“Our expectations never really change,” varsity head coach Brian Nemecek said. “The goal is to try and win the district championship, and if we do that we will be in the state tournament. That’s our goal every year.”

Players to watch this season are senior KaVon Neelon, juniors AJ Meeks and Trae Meeks, along with sophomore Anthony Bratton.