The OH Boys Varsity Basketball team has already shown mass improvement from last year. The team has gone from a team with a 4-25 record to a team with a 9-11 record. The team has been through troubles and made adjustments for the better of the team
”Guys are buying into their roles and I think they’re staying within them and they’re succeeding at them, which in turn is why we’re seeing a little bit more success,” said varsity basketball coach, Nicholas Orham.
Even though the team has seen mass improvement, the team has taken some tough losses this season. After the devastating loss to Oswego’s rival school, Oswego East, the team still remained motivated through every trial and tribulation.
” motivated us because every year we come short against OE, so we’re just putting a lot of work and effort to try to get back in the next game,” said Starting guard Mariano Velasco.
This isn’t the only trial that the team has been through recently, with starting guard Mariano Velasco fracturing his left middle finger and other starting guard Tyrell Mays out with a shoulder injury as well.
“ Tyrell’s going to be out for a little bit, […] He’s been playing through some shoulder pain pretty much since I met him back in May. then Mariano fractured his right middle finger. Early word was six to eight weeks. I think they told me last night, which would put him out to the end of the season,” said Orham.
Even with the hit to the starting line-up, both Velasco and Mays are continuing to support their team and help in any way they can.
“ Even though I’m hurt, I’m still at every practice, every walkthrough trying to give encouragement and just give advice to all my teammates,” said Velasco.
The team is uncomfortable with two starters gone for the foreseeable future. However, they are making adjustments: sophomore Graham Schwab has been moved up to the starting position. Senior Hunter O’Neill and junior Brayden Borrowman have also stepped up into a starting position. The adjustments have been making an impact, as the team has been 2-1 since Marinano’s injury.
”Guys are still coming in early to get shots up at six in the morning. Guys are in the weight room with Coach Hugunin in lifting. They really bought into the hard work aspect of things and that’s only going to pay off in the future for us as a program. “ said Orham.
With the amount of effort that the boys are putting in, it’s obvious why they have doubled the wins compared to last year’s record. Even though it has been tough with the new head coach and the incoming players at the beginning of the season, the basketball team has overcome the odds and is sure to shock the rest of the teams they face in the 24-25 season.
Amazing photography and sports writing! So well done!