Basketball teams will compete in their first tournaments this week. The junior varsity and freshmen teams will host a competition on Thursday and Saturday while the boys varsity will travel to Royse City on Friday and the girls varsity to Rains on Monday and Tuesday.

“Getting off to a good start can help with confidence for a young team,” coach Ike Anders said. “I love the intensity of the game of basketball, and I love the challenge of getting the best out of the players so they are successful.”

Athletes have participated in practices after school nearly every day since Oct. 26. These will continue for the remainder of the season to refine the players’ abilities.

”The players and the coaches have spent countless hours learning new plays and preparing for the season,” senior basketball player Colton Ramsey said. “We all get along really well, and we share a common goal of wanting to win games. Personally, I am having a blast!”

New and returning coaches contribute to the teams’ current atmospheres. Boys coach Spencer Terry and girls coach Becky Daughtry are both new basketball coaches this year.

“They [Terry and Daughtry] will set new standards and create outstanding upcoming players,” junior basketball player Nathan Henson said. “Coaches uplift the players by recognizing their hard work and dedication.”