March 1, 2019 marked the close of a chapter for the boys varsity basketball team. The boys emerged from the dramatic season showoff last year against Forest Hills Northern- triumphant with the district championship.
This year, with a fresh team and new coach, they are ready to shoot even higher.
“I see us probably being the best team in our conference,” senior Eli Buckner said. “I know we’ve lost a couple players, but we are ready to step up and fill their shoes.”
The team opens their season on December 13 at home against Kenowa Hills. With a 64-44 win against Kenowa last year, Northview hopes to start the season off strong.
Balancing the energy of new players with the experience of returners could lead any team to a rocky season. But senior Carter Smith has no worries.
“We’re going to have a target on our backs because of how good we were last year. Everybody’s going to want to be the team that beats us. We have to work harder so we don’t give them the opportunity,” Smith said.
The boys’ dedication and competitiveness drive the team. A new addition to the basketball coaching staff, David Chana, does as well.
After nine years of coaching basketball at Kenowa Hills and Mona Shores, Chana steps into Northview as the new varsity boys head coach. Bringing his own insight, tactics and energy, Chana has high hopes for the season.
“[The team’s] main goal is to get better every day,” Chana said. “This will take a lot of hard work and discipline from our guys. But if we approach every day with this mindset, we will have a chance to accomplish some special moments.”
Last year’s success motivates the team to further elevate their game. Chana pushed the boys to work hard over the summer and the team already sees results in their plays and teamwork on the court.
“We’re competitive, but at the end of the day, we all know that we’re on the same team and that makes it a lot easier to transfer [the competitive spirit] over to the game,” Buckner said.
Despite changes this year, the varsity team is determined to make the 2019-2020 season a memorable one.
“We’re going places this year,” Smith said.
