The varsity boys’ basketball team has started their season, already completing their first tournament. The squad participated in the St. Patricks Thanksgiving Tournament and finished off the tournament with a 1-3 record. Their most recent match-up was against the strong Highland Park team on Tuesday, Nov. 30, resulting in a loss with a final score of 66-53.

“Although we haven’t gotten off to the best start, we are a new team, and we’re gaining experience as we go. We’ve seen growth in just a few games; we still have 20+ games to prove ourselves to everyone. We are definitely going to end the season in better shape than we started. We just have to develop as a team first,” senior Owais Aslam said.

Senior captain, AJ Herrera, noted how although their first few games haven’t gone their way, their vibe and comrade of the team is something he’s never worked with before and that the chemistry off-courts will soon enough translate to on the court.

“I am extremely excited for this season. We’ve got a good core group of guys that push each other in practice, and we are ready to start translating that to games. More than ever do, I feel like this team is a family, we all bounce off each other well, and I can’t wait to start getting it rolling with this group of guys moving forward,” Herrera said.

An important aspect of sporting events is home court advantage. The Wolves haven’t had a home game yet, but students and fans are prepared and excited to be cheering on the boys’ varsity team this year.

“After a short and unusual season because of COVID, it’s good to know that West basketball is pretty much back to normal. After not being able to watch any home games in person last year, I’m excited to watch the first home game and much more this year. I think that the team will be solid with all our returning varsity players, and I’m excited to see what’s in store,” senior Rayyan Khaliq said.

Even senior captain, Aidan Flowers, is excited to feel the crowd’s energy from the court again.

“I’m excited to have the fans back in the stands. It helps hype up our team and makes the games more fun to watch and more intense on the court,” Flowers said.

Show up and support the team in their home opener next week against Maine East on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.