Men’s basketball preps for first game, successful season

As the weather gets colder and fall sports end, winter sports start to come into season. The Men’s Basketball Team is stepping into their next season with their first game on Saturday Nov. 30 against Anderson. They have prepared by “going at it six days a week running offense and defense, watching game footage and lifting,” said Varsity Men’s Basketball coach Tim Monahan, who is also McNicholas’ Physical Education teacher and Assistant Athletic Director.

“I am most excited about the relationships on our team. I believe we will have so much fun at games and even at team dinners, where we can bond and get to know each other better!” senior Griffin Jutze said.

This season the team set some “lofty goals, to be the last ones standing and get to Columbus” and to “win the GCL, with a tough schedule and no easy games,” Monahan said. He added that he has a group of boys who will work “good together, they really like each other on and off the court.”

Junior Caden Conrad will help lead the team this season as one of the captains of the team. He shares this role with senior Evan Brunot. As a captain, Conrad said he “helps decides the teams’ motto and goals for the season.” Going into the season, Conrad added, “I am excited to see what we are capable of; we have a lot of potential and I want to see if we live up to it.”

Conrad said they will prepare for their first game with a “pre-game walk through after school, and getting food after.”

Senior Griffin Jutze said they also “prepare for games by studying film on the other team and trying to keep a humble attitude heading in. I also always have the same pregame meal and always make sure I am well stretched.”

Tip-off for the Nov. 30 against Anderson at Anderson is at 7:30 p.m. The Rockets play their first home game on Friday, Dec. 6, against Alter with a tip-off at 7:30 p.m.