The boys varsity basketball team started the season with a record of 3-3, by winning each of their games against St. Brendan on Nov. 19, Key West on Nov. 22, and most recently against Keys Gate on Dec. 3.
The team started the season with wins in both of their first two games. The key to those two victories was quality rebounding and stout on-ball defense. The team totaled a combined 86 rebounds in those two victories. They held Key West in their second game of the year to a field goal percentage of .27. The Raiders had 23 combined steals in those two games which is a result of impressive defense. Sophomore Victor Uyaelunmo is one of the main defensive forces as he leads the team in blocks, while junior Ryan Heckamen is a stellar defender. Those steals led to fast break scoring opportunities. This hot start contributed to the positive mindset the team possessed.
“We expect to win a district championship and make a deep playoff run and build on our strengths while improving on our weaknesses,” said head coach Manny Bloom.
In spite of their effort to continue their strong level of play, they lost their 3rd and 4th games to Mariner High School on Nov. 28 and Labelle High School on Nov. 29. One positive outtake that can be taken from the two losses is that neither of them were district games. The team put both of those losses behind them and won their game against Keys Gate on Dec. 3 66-52. Their last game, however. was a loss against Coral Springs 39-65 on Dec. 5th.
“I have seen a lot of good things from the team but there are some weaknesses that I think the team can improve on,”, said junior Ryan Heckamen.
Heckaman contributed nine points in their game against Key West and has played great defense throughout the season.
“I have great confidence we can put those two loses behind them, and go back to what worked for us in our wins,” said sophomore Victor Uyaelunmo.
An other top performers was sophomore Cody Bowes who averages 16.8 points per game on the year. Their next two games are FL Christian on Dec. 12th and Key West on Dec. 13th. These games are two next games that will be a part of a five game home stretch for the team.
