PREVIEW: Boys varsity basketball looks to win with a new team

After closing last season with a 13-10 record, boys varsity basketball is looking to improve their record this season. Having coached at Westside since 2001, assistant coach Jared Hellman has high hopes for this season.

“We hope to continue the Westside basketball tradition of playing hard and playing the game the right way,” Hellman said. “We pride ourselves on playing tough defense and sharing the ball on offense.”

Since nine seniors graduated last year, the varsity team will have only four returning seniors with varsity experience.

“It’s a great opportunity for the players that have been in Westside’s program to step up and rise to the challenge of being a varsity basketball player.”

Young players will be given the chance to fill the graduated seniors’ shoes and experience first-hand what being on a varsity team is like.

Despite the challenges the team may face this season, senior Mason Snover says that the team has also improved in different aspects of the game.

“We’ve gotten a lot better with communication and a lot better with team chemistry,” Snover said. “We’re playing for each other more than just ourselves.”

The Warriors are hoping to continue to have strong communication and team chemistry through the season.

“I think the best part for me is being in a gym with a group of guys that share the love for the sport,” Hellman said. “Basketball is one of the longest seasons of any sport, so the bond that you share with other coaches and your players is very special.”

Boys varsity basketball tips off their season on Saturday Nov. 26 at Skutt Catholic High School.