A sea of green surges over the bleachers. Chants fill the arena. You can feel the excitement as swirling voices echo off the walls moments before the Saxons take the hardwood.
Expectations are high this season for both the boys and girls varsity basketball teams, but they are coming off of two entirely different seasons. The girls team has not enjoyed much success in recent years. The boys team, on the other hand, is fresh off a fourth consecutive district title, followed by an appearance in the regional tournament.
Boys: Rebounding from Injuries
Although they lost several seniors to injuries, the Saxons now feel the team is just as talented. Led by the senior leadership of Daniel Dixon, Tristan Evans, and Joey Robinson, the team wants to establish themselves early.
“Despite our team’s injuries, we still have high hopes for the season, and feel like if we work hard, we have a chance to win a fifth straight district title,” Joey Robinson said.
Chances would have been higher had they not lost starting point guard Austin Vasiliadis to a torn ACL in the fall.
“We miss his ability to handle the ball, defend, and lead our team,” says Coach Travis Hess. “I am proud of how Austin has handled the situation and how he is progressing in his new role as assistant coach.”
Girls: New Leadership
Last year the Lady Saxons went 4-18 and saw a coaching change focus was difficult and with new head coach, Amanda Bates, at the helm, the new season brings with it a sense of confidence amongst the girls.
“I’m over last year. We all are,” said junior forward Jessica Stewart. “This group of girls is capable of beating a lot of teams.”
Led by senior captains Sam Sterling and Paige Stuhlmiller, the team has regained their focus and has their sights set on a winning record.
“We’re concerned about taking things game by game, and by the end of the year, I think we’ll have accomplished many of our goals,” Stewart added.
Next year looks bright as well. Returning starter Grace Goettman is a junior, and she leads a nucleus of eleventh grade talent that includes Alexis Biggs, Becky Powell, and Stewart.