Boys basketball off and running

*This is a two part story* Part One: Team Discusses Start of Season By Linda Cobbins Reporter/ Photographer

Crete Monee’s High School Basketball Season officially started on Nov. 21, and the boys were excited to start the season.

CMHS Guard Jayden Preston dribbling the ball up the court. Photo courtesy of @thor_snaps.

CMHS basketball is now in season.

“The team’s dynamic is good. We work together very well,” said senior Isaiah Price. 

The team has a great work ethic, and many have had much to say about how hard the coaches push them to be great players.

“I love my coaches. They are always pushing us to give it our all,” said Junior Zion Gordon. 

Basketball games give you the perfect opportunity to stay active and socialize with your peers. According to Freshman Jayven Pearson, he enjoys being on the court because it helps him escape reality. The players have all agreed that basketball plays a big part in improving their teamwork skills.

“I work together well with my teammates. We are all family,” said freshman Daedric Robinson.

Basketball is an important school activity, especially in high school, because it helps the athletes improve their goal-setting abilities. Despite a 6-6 start and a 1-2 start in the conference as of Dec. 17, the players never let it affect their playing style and stay diligent in their approach. 

“ This year’s season should be good. I believe that everyone is putting in the work,”  freshman Jayden Lawson said. 

Students working hard to win the game

Many students believe in the team and can see potential, as they have many people cheering them on. The supporters are also a big part of the sport. Without them, the team would not be the same.

According to Freshman Jayden Lawson, keeping a good attitude and staying in the gym are great ways to succeed. 

The team had a very tough loss against Homewood-Flossmoor 56-46 on Nov. 29, but they kept a positive attitude and prepared themselves for the next game. Despite the mediocre start, the varsity team still has a lot of games left, as its regular season does not end until Feb. 16. 

Part Two: Team Talks Chemistry By Isaiah Lovett 

Opinions Editor 

Players have been connecting and figuring out the new pieces as the boy’s basketball season has begun. 

“I feel like we as a team have been connecting as well as our chemistry, especially at practice. We have been going through the motions and getting good reps when we go to these schools. As a team, we are all ready,” Devyn Lindsey said.

Crete’s mentality has been getting them off to great starts, as most players have continuously said their mentality has been straight: “kill” and “dominate.” 

When the team traveled to face off against conference rival Rich Township, they lost a heartbreaker 60-56. Despite losing to the Raptors, Crete-Monee showed the true depth of this team’s mental and physical mentality.

“It’s our mentality to win and to make a name for Crete since it hasn’t had one for basketball in a long time, and to make a name for ourselves,” senior Jyaveion Green said. 

“A lot of times teams look at us and count us out, so the mentality has to be to be ‘kill.’ We know with our team and coaching staff. We could be doing a lot of great things, so especially in practice, we take things to the max. We go out and compete with these teams because we know we are the underdogs,” Junior Jaydon Watts said.   

 As of Dec. 17, the team has had five home games as the team sees the home crowd energy starting to build. 

“I feel like the home crowd’s energy has gradually increased since last year because not many people/fans used to come to our games last year. They are starting to become more engaged during the gameplay,” Green said. 

“The doubters talk to the wall as their comments go in one ear and out the other. The home crowd energy has been good, but we’ve been able to create our energy on and off the road,” Lindsey said.