Boys Basketball Off to a Solid Start

Story by Isabelle Flood – Staff Reporter

   Basketball is a fan-favorite sport to watch at LSN. The Boys’ Basketball team pulls in a lot of attention each game they play. 

   “My favorite thing is just the game and moving around, scoring, passing, just all the aspects of it, I love it a lot,” Tate Barker, junior, said. 

   The game of basketball is impossible without a team of people willing to do whatever it takes for the better of the team. The atmosphere of the game requires trust, energy, and a selfless attitude.

   “We play very unselfishly, we share the ball,” Ray Hughes, head varsity basketball coach, said. 

   Playing together and being a team can help them achieve their goals of winning districts and keeping their sights set on that state championship. With a state championship being an uncommon thing for the boys, they want it more than anything. 

   “I think we have a good chance at going far,” Barker said. 

   Meeting and achieving goals do not come without sacrifices and hard work. These players must put in the work if they want to be the best.

   “Just hard work obviously, the little things, we worked out a lot and just relying on the guy next to you,” Barker said. 

   Coach Hughes is willing to work to make his players the best they can be and the most successful they can be.

   “I love the feeling of assisting student-athletes to reach their potential in both life and athletics,” Hughes said.

   A strong relationship between the players and their coach is an essential factor in a team’s success. Hughes keeps the players motivated and humble through their wins and losses. 

   “Coach Hughes is the best like if I am having trouble with my day he’s gonna be the guy I go to… he is just a guy I can talk to and I know he has all of our backs,” Barker said. 

   Tryouts are not only to see who are the best players for a team but also give the coaches a wide selection of what they are looking for. 

   “I was looking to see who was physically and fundamentally equipped to play at a 6A high school level,” Hughes said. 

   Hughes found a full team of players who met his expectations and every player on his team makes a difference in the game. 

   “We have several impact players…I couldn’t just name one. We have a very deep team, I have 11 guys and I could play all 11 guys,” Hughes said.

   The 2023-2024 Boys’ varsity team is looking forward to seeing how many of their dreams and aspirations can turn into reality under Hughes.

Photo courtesy of Mihaly Marker