Leaving it all on the court

Every dribble, every cheer from the stands, every bead of sweat- it’s more than just a game. For the DSA Varsity Men's Basketball team, countless hours working their hardest in the gym lead to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. 

On December 6th, the team played an international team from Australia. This game enabled DSA to expand its gameplay and reach new heights in the world of basketball. The team they faced was competing in a 2-week basketball competition in the United States during their summer break. For many of the varsity players, this was their only opportunity for something like this, as the team has nine seniors. While the seniors want to go out with a bang and a championship under their belt, the whole team feels the energy. 

“I think that it was really special to be able to play an international team during my senior year, as it was a really rare opportunity; only two teams in North Carolina were able to play against the Australian team,” Kingston Roberts, a senior at DSA, vocalized. 

Roberts is a team captain and has been playing for the Bulldogs since his freshman year, when he joined the school. Despite only playing at DSA for four years, Roberts has played basketball since he was in 4th grade. Now a senior, Roberts is looking for a state title, along with his fellow seniors.

“I think that this year's team has a real chance at making it further than any team in recent years. We have a motivation to win because for most of the team, it’s the last ride. We have all gotten better at our craft in the sport, and we are looking to win the conference title,” Roberts stated. 

While skill is apparent in this Bulldog team, the most important thing is chemistry, and the unity each member brings to the court.

“I really like this group because the promise and potential are undeniable. We’ve got the ingredients, talent, toughness, and glimpses of what championship habits can look like. But chemistry isn’t something you’re gifted; it’s something you earn,” Bryan Setser, coach of the team, said. 

Setser is in his first year as the varsity head coach and already has big aspirations and plans for the team. Setser played for over ten years in New Jersey before starting his own company and stepping into coaching, where he prides himself on teaching work ethic and dedication to basketball.

“We’re stacking good days, teaching them how to lift each other up, stay connected, and live out our standards. The chemistry is growing, the habits are forming, and the ceiling for this group is incredibly high,” Setser remarked. 

The team has shown this hustle throughout their season, with all of their wins being by at least 13 points. For many of the players, basketball means more to them than just winning and losing, playing or watching. 

“We’re not a finished product, but we’re on the right path, and I love coaching a team that wants to get better together,” Satser said. 

As young athletes in the early stages of their careers, the principles and mentalities taught to them stick with them, and this opportunity helps demonstrate that.

“This game was a part of an amazing experience between young athletes from across the world, and we were truly fortunate to be able to participate in the activity. This game was a perfect example of the ways that sports can bring people together,” Setser concluded.