Basketball season is in full swing. You can find boys and girls busting it down the court every Tuesday and Friday. From beating the number 10 team in the state (varsity boys) to taking the number 12 team into overtime (varsity girls), the players have trained hard morning and night to perfect their game.

Boys’ coach Andy Slye and girls’ coach Jason Hodges put their time into these student athletes, teaching them the game of basketball while also teaching them life lessons.

While the game is fun to play, being on the team isn’t easy.

“The hardest part of basketball is staying motivated to work as hard as you can each and every day,” said Jackson McLaughlin (12). “Especially with morning practices being at 7:00, waking up is hard.”

The seniors on the team have lots of influence on younger players and work hard to set good examples for them and encourage them to follow in their footsteps.

“I try to make sure the younger girls are listening at all times and following coaches directions,” said Kennedy Miller (12).

Jackson McLaughlin has been a freshman basketball player before and knows from experience what it takes to be a good example.

“We [the seniors] like to show the younger players the balance of when it’s time to have fun and goof around, but also when it’s time to be serious and work,” said Jackson McLaughlin (12). “We’re all going towards the same goal of winning, so we just try to find that balance to show them, so that they can show the younger kids after them.”

While these seniors do have pressure on them, they’re also rewarded for their hard work.

“I love games when we’re doing everything right and executing,” said Kennedy Miller (12). “That’s the best part about basketball.”

Not only have the coaches taught the players the game of basketball, but they’ve also taught the athletes lessons they’ll hang on to forever.

“Coach Hodges taught me to always have a chip on your shoulder, don’t let anybody underestimate you,” said Kennedy Miller (12). “Anything can happen.”