Varsity men’s basketball begins with a bang
Seniors, Joesph Ortiz and Styles McClain on the prowl for a rebound.
The Wakefield varsity men’s basketball team began their season winning multiple games in their first scrimmage. With hard work and dedication they brought home three wins. The athletes hope to continue this season with the same successful strategies and collaboration.
This year the Wolverines are lucky to welcome Johnathon Packingham, Kareem Triaki, and Styles McClain to the team, as well as Noah Muldrow, Nyeem Smiley, Ja’Ques Shields, and Jawon Eddie from the Junior Varsity team.
Senior Captain Moatu Gbondo has high hopes for this season and the challenges to come. He makes it a priority to work hard in everything he does and to promote unity among his teammates. Gbondo also believes that this year they will have a very successful season.
Senior, Trent Wilson shoots a jump shoot as both the Wolverines and Bulldogs look on.
“We have a better coaching staff, better players, and we are ready,” Gbondo said. “We see what we do wrong and recognize what needs to be done to improve.”
Because of their ability to work together in practice or stressful games, senior Brendan Ciannamea believes the team is more prepared. He helps to avoid disagreements between teammates and encourages the athletes to enjoy the experience while it lasts. In order for them to have an enjoyable year, Ciannamea believes the team needs to improve on some of their smaller mistakes.
“We can do little things better like following the plays and boxing out,” Cinnamea said. “ We argue over our mistakes but at the end of the day we’re all really good friends just trying to get better and have a good time — Cinnema
On November 14, the Wolverines took home their first season win against Franklinton with a final score of 82-45. The players, especially the seniors, we’re excited to begin this season with a more than thirty point lead. Senior Trent Wilson believes their success in the first game reflects the future for this season.
“I think this will be a really good season,” Wilson said. “We have the potential to go far in the conference and hopefully make it to the playoffs.”
Lead by coaches Garrett Stevens, Trent Wilson, and Adam Mills, the athletes work every day to refine their techniques, better their collaboration and improve on mistakes recognized at practices and games.
“We have a talented group of athletes and a great set of coaches,” Stephens said. “I think we’ll have a great season as long as we continue to work hard and stay focused on our goals.”
The coaches and athletes are very proud to have begun their season so well and hope to continue their success in their future games against Southeast Raleigh, Millbrook, and Sanderson.
Though practices may be challenging and game outcomes may not reflect the team’s hard work, Wilson keeps one thing in mind.
“We practice together, we play together, we win and we lose together,” Wilson said. “It’s the team above everything else.”
