Hoop hoop for a new season

By Jordan Outlaw 

Sports Editor

Boys’ basketball is gearing up for a successful season. After a year of underperformance, they look to turn things around. A new year for the team also brings in new faces.

Stock photo from last season

New seniors Jamal Williams, Jaylen Blakes, and Robert Kennedy, along with junior guards Christian Giles and Jamon Overall round out a fresh squad. Kennedy and Blakes state that they’re happy they ended up here.

 “Since I got here, I’ve been pushed. It definitely has been hard, but it’s what it takes to get to the next level.  My teammates just preached that to me, and that’s what keeps me going,” Kennedy said. 

The boys are confident in themselves this year, and all share a common goal: to make it downstate and win the conference. Returning player Jaydon Watt said. “In order to achieve these goals, everybody must get on the same page and be able to take accountability.” 

Zyheir Gardner and Jayden Preston, two strong guards for the Warriors, have been working on sharpening their skills for the season. 

“All the guards are in the gym trying to learn how to play off each other. We have a tough schedule this year, so we have to have a lot of chemistry in our backcourt,” Preston said.

Senior Zion Gordon discussed how he feels about the season. 

 “I’m looking forward to seeing those schools we lost to last year and getting another chance this year. To make it further than before, we have to close games. Doing the little things is gonna be the reason our name is on the map.” 

Coach Nelson is confident in his team as well. 

“It’s no pressure; we got talent. I’m not the one shooting the ball, but the players who are can shoot it well.” 

Coach Nelson is looking forward to seeing the competition this year. He’s most excited about schools like Joliet West, Saint Ignatius, and Rich Township. 

Conditioning ended recently, and a couple of players spoke about how they feel about it and how it affects their play. 

“I can’t lie, it’s definitely tough. Coach Antonio is hard on us about taking care of our bodies and getting in shape. It’s more of a mental thing for us to push ourselves for in-game situations, but we needed it badly,” Overall said.

After a strong summer and fall run full of wins, confidence is through the roof for this team. They intend to turn the basketball program around here at Crete-Monee and shake up the conference this year.