While the spotlight often gets shown on varsity, the JV and freshman basketball teams spend their season grinding, building chemistry, sharpening their skills and preparing for the future of the program.

“The first win of our season was an incredible feeling,” junior Evan Bedford said. “We had lost a couple before that, so just getting the opportunity to celebrate with all my teammates was amazing.”

The JV and freshman teams give players the opportunity to perfect their skills before they get to the varsity level.

“This season I’ve really improved on handling my emotions,” freshman Lilia Hladik said. “The coaches are very supportive and they have helped me learn to control myself.”

Coaches contribute to how players develop. Their impact can affect a player’s confidence, abilities and overall skills throughout their whole career. 

“This season we’ve prepared the players for varsity from the standpoint of being able to understand the game better,” JV Coach Donovan Dary said. “Also showing them how successful they can be just from being mentally and physically tougher than their opponent and working together as one unit.”

As the season continues and with the Broncos having a record of 16-15 and being fifth in district, the team strives to get better and grow not as individuals, but as a unit.

“At this point, I’m really comfortable with the team,” Bedford said. “Just talking to them and communicating, I think it correlates back to the court.”

The Broncos all work to improve with each other each and every day, but they also relax sometimes and have fun with their teammates.

“We are together a lot during school,” Bedford said. “But also hang out outside of school, whether it’s playing more basketball or playing 2K together. I think this improves our team chemistry.”