High Expectations for Hoops

Transitioning from fall to winter also marks a transition in sports seasons. Just after Thanksgiving break comes tryout week, signaling the beginning of a new set of fan-favorite sports, one of which is basketball. With games for both boys and girls held in the A gym, basketball is one of the most accessible winter sports, as it’s one of the only sports with regular games at the high school. It is also, in my opinion, the most enjoyable.

Speaking from experience having been to every type of indoor sports event Needham High has to offer, including the hockey games at Babson, there is not a single other game that gets as loud and exciting as a packed basketball game. The energy in the A gym on a Friday night is nothing short of electric, especially against a rival like Wellesley or Natick. 

Fueling the energy are high expectations going into the season. Girls’ basketball is looking to match, or even improve on their ninth place finish in last year’s ranking. Despite an untimely injury to a starter and the loss of key players  from the prior season, members of the team believe that strong senior leadership and great team culture will ensure a bright future. As for boys basketball, the team is poised to dominate. Sam Huntington, a senior member of the team, says that the Rockets are holding themselves to lofty standards and are working hard to live up to those expectations. As someone who has been playing against members of the team for years in St. Joe’s and Friday runs at Pollard, I can personally attest to the caliber of this team. We Rockets fans are in for an exciting season ahead.