Motivated and hungry

Libby Arnold, Sports Edtior

Losing early in the postseason is no way a team wants to end their season. 

The Xavier boys’ basketball team made it to the regional semifinals last season. The Saints team are motivated and hungry, especially the senior class. 

“Losing so early last season left a sour taste in our mouth so I think everyone is excited to prove to everyone that we can be a contender this year,” senior Tre McCrary said. 

The seniors are motivated to make the most of their last season. 

Jake Beckmann goes in for a layup against Davenport Assumption last season. Jenaya Devereaux Photo.

“For the seniors, it is our last season. It was a bad feeling not making it to state last season,” senior Jake Beckmann said. “We want to make this last season count.” 

This season will be Coach Mike Freeman’s first year as the head coach. The team is excited to see where he will take them.

“I think Coach Freeman is really going to help us improve this year,” senior Davis Wagner said. 

An important element to the boys basketball program this year is team chemistry. 

“A goal for me this season is to build good team chemistry, which Coach Freeman is emphasizing this year,” Wagner said. “It is up to the seniors to make sure that happens.” 

With a team chemistry mindset, the boys’ basketball team have set big team goals.

“Everyone within our program knows that we could make a big impact come postseason time,” McCrary said. “Our main goal this year is to make it to state and compete for a championship.”

Along with their goals, they are excited to make memories with their teammates and have fun throughout the season. 

“I’m really excited to have fun this season and create a lot of memories with my teammates,” Beckmann said. “I’m also really excited to celebrate wins with my team.”

They will play Saturday, December 7 at 3:30 p.m. against Waverly Shell Rock at Xavier High School for their first home game of the season.