Coming off a 16-14 record last season, the boy’s basketball team is hoping to improve its success with a young team.
After losing seven seniors from the class of ‘23, the team faces a shift within the program.
“With as many graduating seniors as we had, it has opened up a lot of opportunities this season,” assistant coach Michael Kneip said. “Players who were on the team last year have different roles this year, which is both exciting and challenging.”
The season kicked off with a 53-39 win against Bartlett at the Wheaton Academy Invite on Nov. 22.
“The entire team bounced back against Bartlett after a tough loss to Wheaton Academy to start the season ,we dug ourselves a hole early on in the game,” Kneip said. “We had seven total players score, led by Jeffrey Fleming’s 25 points and 10 rebounds.”
Senior shooting guard Fleming is one player in which all eyes are on this year.
“Jeffery on the court is a competitor who always comes up big when we need to and make an outstanding impact in the game whether it is on offense or defense,” junior guard Lukas Alvarez said. “Off the court he’s a natural leader by the way he carries himself but also keeps the team light hearted and motivated when need be.”
Since it is still early in the season, the coaching staff is trying to keep the players focused on each game.
“It is extremely difficult to make it to the final four in the state,” Kneip said. “However, competing for a regional and sectional title is more realistic.”
Although North is a competitive team, their objective for each game remains the same.
“Our team this year will play a fun style of basketball,” Kneip said. “We will play up tempo with a lot of shooting from the 3 point line, if we can buy into playing team defense, we will be very tough to beat.”
The desired result and aspiration for this team will remain the same.
“[The] ambition for this team is to focus on the small details each day to improve and put players in positions to be successful,” Kniep said.
Unlike other athletic teams, boy’s basketball does not have team captains. Instead, the seniors are expected to carry their weight and help this team excel.
“I feel great about this season and I have a bigger role to play on court and my team expects me to always be 100% on and off the court,” Fleming said. “I hope to inspire and help guide the underclassman to stay motivated and determined when waiting to achieve your goals, coming from a player who has been on varsity all three years. It comes with determination, continuous practice, and never giving up. You must always strive for the best, especially your goals.”
Basketball fans don’t disappoint in the excitement of school spirit.
“All we can do is appreciate the support we have,” junior point guard Donald Williams said. “We appreciate their support in the stands, it definitely gives us a home court advantage.”
