On the Court
Edgewood's basketball season is just getting started. Here's what to expect from the teams
Despite some setbacks due to COVID-19, both the Boys and Girls teams have been getting fired up for this season, and these athletes are eager to get on the court.
Over quarantine, these students have had quite a bit of time to get ready for the 2020-2021 basketball season. This year, our girls have some expectations to reach. Starting out with a new coach and COVID, things will be a little different. For this season, Coach Dave Blumenthal wants to keep strengths and to improve on team weaknesses such as speed, shooting accuracy, and communication.
Last year, the girls Varsity team had a tough time on the court, so the seasons' main goals are to improve team shooting percentage, increase basketball IQ, and increase team speed.
“I’m hoping to improve our weaknesses and keep our strengths,” said Blumenthal.
In the 2019-2020 school year, Varsity played in all 25 games of the season, winning only three of those games. The JV team played in 18 games, winning 12. To help out the players, wins and losses will be considered and gone over to see what needs improvement and the coaches want the teams to play in all 25 games of the season.
Now on to the boys- both the JV and Varsity boys teams have been experiencing some setbacks recently, but they're not going to let that stop them from getting on the court.
Due to a positive COVID-19 case on the team, the boys, unfortunately, will not be able to practice or play games until after break. However, the season will continue into the new year once every player is healthy.
In the new season, the boys are in for a lot of pressure. The coaches are booking to create turnovers, which would be a great plus for the teams. To improve from last season, Coach Jimmy Cook and Coach Alan Clark are trying to improve ball efficiency and are encouraging the boys to take advantage of opportunities that get presented to them throughout games.
“Most importantly, we want to get better and be ready to transition up to the varsity level,” said Clark.
Last year, the Varsity team played in all 25 games, and won seven of those. JV only played in 15 of their games, winning seven, leaving them at a 48 win percentage.
“Our boys teams have been very competitive in the past and fully expect that to continue,” said Clark.
There are going to be many tough games and there's quite a bit of competition, but our boys can definitely handle it. For most players, the best part about the sport is being out on the court.
“I’m most excited for the games, especially the West Shore game because it’s competitive and lots of people watch it,” said Zubin Joseph, 11.
This year's conditions will lead to more motivation and change. COVID has made some pretty drastic changes, affecting almost every aspect of the sport. For example, changes in practice times, separate JV and Varsity practices, and possible cancellations due to positive cases are all factors with which the team will have to cope. The teams are also not allowed to play in any out-of-county games.
“COVID will affect almost every aspect. Separating JV/V practice, cancellations to positive tests, travel, practice times to name just a few,” said Cook.
As of right now, everything is looking good for our school's boys basketball teams, and hopefully with the help of their amazing coaches, they can make this year great! These boys are very committed to this sport and are looking forward to a great season. The team is dedicated to following through with their goals.
“My biggest goals for improvement would be to learn as much as I possibly can from the older guys as well as my coaches as a player and as a person,” said Patrick Vu, 11.
With all of the challenges that players and coaches will face throughout this year, they are all optimistic and hoping for the best. Everyone involved is willing to do whatever it takes to make our school proud. We have a great group of students, and amazing coaches to make it happen. “I am really looking forward to this season because I believe that we can be pretty good as a team,” said Vu.
This year is Brooke’s second year at Edgewood and first year on the Edge staff. She enjoys writing, playing volleyball, and spending time with family. Being on staff, she is looking forward to the experience and learning new things about writing.