Wildcat basketball team is ambitious to have lasting run in playoffs
The boys basketball team is determined to stay focused during practice and games
Senior Quinton Williamson posts up on opposing team’s player on a defensive play
January 11, 2019
The boy’s basketball team have begun their fall season, playing their first games against Frisco Heritage, Mesquite, Frisco Lone Star tournament and Desoto and holding a record of 4-3.
The boys were unsuccessful in their season opener, losing the tough game against Frisco Heritage by a score of 46-48.
In the Frisco Lone Star tournament, the boys made it all the way to the fourth round before losing to Sachse in overtime by a score of 59-63. These were the first of eight non-conference games and tournaments before they open their district play against McKinney on Dec. 21.
The team is coming off a 16-11 season and held a 7-6 record in district. The team looks to improve both records with a new identity.
“It’s a new team, but we know how talented we are and know we’ll be able to compete night in and night out,” senior guard Cooper Slay said.
This team will have a much different look than last year, as more than half the players have left as graduating seniors.
For the players, while the season is long they always remained focused and determined on the goal of finishing in the top of the district and making a run in the playoffs.
I don’t let myself get distracted by other things and I stay motivated,” Slay said. “Everyone knows we have a goal in mind and have to stay determined no matter what.”
For coach Dean Christian, his goal is to always make the players as prepared as possible for each game to give them the best shot at winning.
“Discipline is very important if you do the right things all the time then the wins will come with the hard work,” coach Christian said. “We know we all work hard and give us the best shot at winning every game.”
The team also knows that handling business outside of the game will help improve their play game-to-game.
“If you have great leadership, great kids that are good with school and family it will make for a great basketball team,” coach Christian said.
The teams season will run through at least Feb. 12 against Plano West, but the players and coaches have confidence they can make a deep run into the playoffs.
