4
BASKETBALL THE RUBICON - JANUARY 2022
SEASON AT
RECORD: 7-1 OPPONENT
DATE AND TIME
HOME/AWAY
Concordia Academy Breck Chisago Lakes Twin Cities Academy Minnehaha Academy
01/18 7:00 p.m 01/20 7:00 p.m. 01/22 3:00 p.m. 01/25 7:00 p.m. 01/27 7:00 p.m.
Concordia Academy-Roseville Breck School SPA - Randolph Campus SPA - Randolph Campus Minnehaha Academy North
HAYES
BY THE NUMBERS
A GLANCE
24 Hayes had a 11.5
Hayes has been on fire this season and is averaging 11.5 points per game.
IBID PHOTOS: Sophie Cullen
PLAY-MAKERS. These three players have put up astounding numbers this season and have been a deciding factor in boys basketball’s near immaculate regular season run.
game high of 24 points against Hill Murray leading the team to a 13 point win
32
Hayes plays around 32 minutes per game.
LAY UP THE SCORE
Boys basketball dominates competition through preparation ORION KIM
THE RUBICON
What fans witness on game day is typically what receives the most attention. However, that spectacle is the product of hours of preparation. Michael Jordan’s last shot for the Bulls, Mary Lou Retton’s Perfect 10, Muhammad Ali’s shuffle, and Brandi Chastain’s World Cup winning-penalty are the results of the work and preparation that goes on behind the scenes. The hours athletes spend practicing, conditioning, and forming important relationships are often overlooked. Although it is important for athletes to spend as much time possible training so they can perform to their full potential, it is just as crucial that ath-
letes develop positive relationships. Jordan, Chastain, and Lou Retton had their teammates to support them, and Ali had his spiritual mentor Elijah Muhammad as well as his coach Angelo Dundee. According to a research paper by the University of Southern Maine, “creating positive team culture in youth sports cultivates players who feel a part of a strong, close-knit organization, which escalates their level of play and their desire to play.” The boys varsity basketball team is no exception. In addition to working hard in practice, the team also has many traditions, such as team bonding opportunities and pre-game routines. As for practice, the team
trains almost every day. “We will practice 6 times a week if we don’t have any games. Practice means a lot to us because it helps to prepare for future games, as well as help us get better,” sopho-
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I SPEND A LOT OF TIME SHOOTING AROUND AND SHOOTING FREE THROWS. I ALSO LIKE TO STAY ACTIVE AND PLAY PICK-UPS AT OPEN GYMS sophomore Ethan Carter
more Tysen Hayes said. Players also train on their own time. Although building chemistry and learning tactics is important, the team’s performance ul-
timately comes down to each individual. In order to improve his game, sophomore Ethan Carter practices shooting whenever he has time: “I spend a lot of time shooting around and shooting free throws. I also like to stay active and play pick-up basketball at open gyms,” he said. Outside of practice, the team has built a strong community. Captain Brandt Bakersville said, “There’s a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes, getting together on the weekend, watching films, grabbing stuff to eat, and team bonding. All these things lead to better performance on the court.” One of the routines that the basketball team has is the 3 point club: “a big tradition we have that par-
ents set up [is] where parents take turns providing meals so that [the team] can socialize,” he continued. Another fundamental routine happens right before tip-off. “We will meet with our coach about an hour before to go over our game plan and what to expect from the other team. After that we will, as a team, get ourselves in the right mental state for the game,” Hayes said. As well as team traditions, players also have their own routine. “There’s a lot of unique ways that people hype themselves up. I like to mellow out and chill by relaxing and listening to calmer music, but it’s different from person to person,” Bakersville said. Along with ready-
ing their minds, players need to ready their bodies and warm up before a game. “I usually spend about 45 minutes shooting and about 15 minutes dribbling. I then go and meet with the team and stretch,” Carter said. The incredible amount of preparation that the boys basketball team has dedicated has paid off. So far, they are on track to have their best season since their state tournament appearance in 2013.
