The OH varsity boys basketball team has about five weeks left in their season, but they are hoping to turn their record around and finish the year off strong. At a current record of 4-15, they have had both highs and lows on their journey to train a young team.
“It’s been a tough season, we haven’t won a lot of games so far this year,” said Head Coach Chad Pohlmann. “We’ve had some injuries and haven’t played our best.”
Both players and coaching staff have described this season as being a struggle, as the team has had to overcome many shocking losses. Players believe that these are due to a lack of teamwork as a whole.
“Everyone needs to flip a different switch coming into a game,” said Team Captain Taiden Thomas. “At times we don’t all flip the switch at the same time.”
Massive improvements have been made, however, to repair this team dynamic. It is obvious when watching them play that they are much stronger than at the start of the season and are beginning to connect as a team.
“We are working on getting better individually so we can gel together as one,” said Thomas. “I definitely feel that we are getting better, every day and every practice.”
Additionally, the team has learned from past losses in hopes of repairing their record. While they may not have won many games this season, they have worked hard to fix their mistakes and work together toward a common goal.
“There were times when we went against high-level competition and we lost but played well and showed ourselves our potential,” said Thomas. “No one has given up even though it’s been a tough season and I think that speaks a lot to everyone’s character on the team.”
Aside from coaches and players, OH’s athletic trainers have seen the work that the team has put into collaborating and reaching common goals. The team consistently demonstrates the dedication that they put into their sport, making it enjoyable for everyone to watch.
“I firmly do not believe that this record truly represents the team,” said student athletic trainer Lily McCann. “Each player holds themselves most accountable for not just what happens on the court, but at practices as well.”
With many games within the next few weeks, the team is hoping that their hard work will pay off with a much-needed win. According to players and coaches, their strategy throughout the rest of the season is maintaining the momentum they begin games with through all four quarters.
“We have all the physical ability in the world, it’s just a mental thing- we have to learn how to play and learn how to compete,” said Thomas.
Everyone should admire not only the spirit of the team but their determination to improve throughout the season. Although the locker rooms are exclusive to players and coaches, some of their best plays and goals are created there during halftime.
“They all talk with each other, see what everyone else has to say, and write on the whiteboard, developing strategies before the coaches even come in. It is evident that every player on that team wants to be there, and have a chance to play on that court,” said McCann.
OH students should look forward to the improvements that this team has made throughout their season, in both physical playing and teamwork. Large strides have been made to finish this season strong and prepare for an even better season next fall.
“Their attitude has stayed good,” said Pohlmann. “When you are having a losing season, that can be hard on your mental state and the guys have really stayed positive, they keep showing up every day, and they haven’t quit.”
I am a senior at OH and so excited to be a Managing and Opinions Section Editor this year! I love working on 42Fifty, but I am also very involved in band and numerous honor societies here. Looking forward to doing great work this year!
My name is Sasha Pankuch and I am a junior here at OHS. This is my first year with 42Fifty too. I am very involved here at OHS; I am on the board of Student Council, I play the saxophone in the Panther Marching Band, and am a member of multiple honors societies!
