Stepping on the court one last time, watching the past 3 years flash through in faint memories, and hearing the whistle blow once more is a moment no athlete, especially Plainfield North’s basketball team, will ever forget. The clock is starting for our senior boys as the boys’ basketball season is coming in full swing. 

With a tough season to follow as the class of 2024 went 17 – 13 last season – along with losing star players like Jeffery Flemming, who set a school record for most points in a season, rebounds in a game and his career,  and former senior Evan Czarnik, breaking the record for blocks in a season and in his high school career – will make the follow-up for the class of 2025 difficult. This season intends to keep both the athletes, and the student section, on their toes. 

“The pressure doesn’t get to me because I am extremely confident in myself and my teammates abilities on court,” said senior captain Pierre Pointer. “As a team we are very excited this year because we have some great additions to this team to where we believe we can be just as good or even better as last year’s team.” 

Having developed a strong bond these past four years and working hard with one another, it is important that these athletes act like a team both on and off the court. 

“Our team’s dynamic feels like a family, we spend hours on end with each other and the bond continues to grow as the season progresses,” senior guard Lukas Alvarez said. “We as a team share many mutual goals and want nothing more than to be successful as a team and as individuals.”

Working up to this season has been a strenuous and evolving process for many of the athletes, being that many are working hard not only for their benefit but for the benefit of the team. As the athletes practice night and day, both on and off season, the most important part to this team is to keep a level head throughout the process. 

“During the season it gets really hard to stay positive when we are going through a losing streak,” said senior Quintin Wiencek. “The only way we are going to win is if we focus and stay on track of knowing that we are a strong team that works extremely hard.”

As expectations for the seniors on this team are high, many are hoping to watch these athletes storm the court and bring home a season to remember. 

“We as a team are extremely positive and excited about this year and what this season has to offer, especially getting to play at a high competition level,” Alvarez said. “Our coaching staff is exceptional this season. We are set to have a great year this season.”

Many can assume pressure and competition are avidly present this year with the outcome of last year, and the expectations of these athletes as they approach their final season as a Plainfield North Tiger couldn’t be higher. 

“I’ve been waiting for this moment where I could show my full potential on the court so I am not that worried about the pressure,” Pointer said. “With this being my last season, as a team captain I’ll do the best of my ability to make sure this team reaches success.”

Four years of dedication and persistence teach oneself a lot about their performance and what it means to be a talented athlete. Keeping a positive mindset is one of the most challenging aspects about being a student-athlete. 

“My advice to underclassmen would be to keep working hard no matter how difficult it may seem and to spend time watching film,” said senior Wiencek. “Make sure to analyze the plays and understand them not only to better yourself on court but your teammates.”

Being a senior in high school is a bittersweet experience within itself, but being a student-athlete is an experience that is rather indescribable. From the last home-opener to the final time these athletes step foot on the court, the season will be truly rewarding and heartbreaking. 

“It’s a sad thing to step on the court one last time  but it also shows growth from where I’ve started, reaching this point is nothing short of incredible and so many others will continue to go out and do great things,” Alvarez said. “While it is sad I will never play at North after this year, it’s wholesome to think about the future for me and for the program once I step off the court.”