Photo by Max Dearinger

Braylen Smith, 12, drives to the basket against Lake Ridge on Jan. 12. Legacy lost 54-70.

At the start of the second round of district play, the boys’ basketball team sits at a 9-16 overall record, 2-6 in district play. Two-year varsity player senior Braylen Smith has witnessed and adjusted to the vast amount of change the team has undergone up to this point.

“This season so far has been a roller coaster of ups and downs, we truly seen it all from the happiest times to the deepest divots,” Smith said. “It has been hard because it has felt like a lack of consistency or even commitment to the program, but we know that as long as your brother beside you is still fighting each and every day it’s another reason to get up and keep pushing.”

Following the conclusion of last season, the team experienced multiple coaching and personnel changes. Despite this, the team continued to train and Smith utilized this time to hone his leadership skills.

“As a leader, I have found myself in a role that allowed me to speak with a sense of rawness toward my teammates that clearly articulates what I’m trying to get across to them instead of having to muffle my ideas and concerns,” Smith said. “I feel like I was thrown into the role to be the senior leader but naturally as a person that’s just how I am. I lead most times by example, but I’ve stepped more into that role by leading by using my voice as well.”

Rebuilding is a common theme amongst the programs as the girls’ team sits at a 10-19 and 2-7 in district. Coach Michelle Morris acknowledges the team is young and learning, but continues to compete every day as the struggles will only benefit the team in the future.

“We are very young, which is a great thing for the future,” Coach Morris said. “[We need to] focus on us more instead of it. We were our biggest opponent right now, so if we can focus on us, we can become consistent”

Although playing freshmen on varsity is not uncommon, playing three and starting five freshmen on JV comes with a big learning curve. Morris’ usual 25-set offense has been greatly simplified but her expectations for each game and the importance of each game remain the same to make a push for playoffs.

“We still have a chance to go to playoffs, it is still in our hands. We have to win the games that we need to win,” Morris said. “Being young they really don’t understand playoffs and what it really entails. I’m looking forward to continuing to stay focused and become more than that consistent team. We’ve seen it within that we’ve seen it this season, but we need it.”