Boys’ basketball preview

Winter has rolled around and Patriot basketball is heating up. Despite the teams’ narrow 57-53 loss vs Lafayette in districts last season, the Patriots have five returning players to the varsity team. The team also has seven new players on the varsity team, and the patriots are ready to challenge for districts and make a playoff run.

Coach Stevens is very confident in this year’s varsity team.

“Our team goals are to win conference, districts, reach the final four, and have 20 plus wins. It will be tough at the start of the season since we graduated six seniors last year, however I’m confident this young and new team will be successful,” said Stevens.

Returning junior Corey Barricklow is very excited about the team and their chances this season.

“My goals are to be a leader and do whatever it takes to help the team win a lot of games. It’s a realistic goal of mine to win districts, and advance far in state,” said Barricklow.

Sophomore Turner Weiss is one of the seven who are new to the varsity roster this season, and is also eager for the season to begin.

“I’m excited to play with a new group of guys, and working hard to try and win districts and state,” said Weiss.

The jamboree tipped off the basketball season for South on November 20th vs. Oakville. Also, the regular season will begin on December 1st vs. Parkway Central for the Patriots. South basketball will feature in three tournaments during their regular season including; the GAC Shootout, the MICDS Tournament, and the Ameritime Tourney.  The team will face many tough match-ups this season, and they will get their rematch vs. Lafayette in January.

“I think most of the teams we will play this season are tough opponents, but I think that the stand out match-ups will be against CBC and Kirkwood,” said Barricklow.

“We will have a very tough schedule this year. Lafayette will be the toughest team we face on our regular season schedule, and our district is one of the toughest in the state. In districts we have Kirkwood, Vianney, Rockwood Summit, and CBC,” said Stevens.

Following the graduation of five seniors from last seasons team, the Patriots have lost some talent and height. This year’s team will be a lot smaller, however everyone feels they are working hard enough to not make that a problem.

“This year we are a very young and small team. The coaches and the team are working very hard to put us in the best position for success. We are improving everyday, and are very committed to each other and winning basketball games,” said Weiss.

The season is very close to beginning, and the team is in good position with a combination of senior leadership, returning players, and exciting new talents.

“Anton Ruiz and Ross Scanlan are our seniors who show good leadership, but the whole team needs to help lead in order for us to be successful,” said Barricklow.