Ty Tilden
Staff Writer
While the majority of students are enjoying time off school next Tuesday, the boys basketball team will travel the farthest from home they will be this season as they face off against Bend at 6 p.m. This will be yet another chance for the team to prove themselves and climb the ever-competitive ranks of the Mount Hood Conference.
At the onset of the season, the first game was a loss, with Century beating Sandy 59-46. The first away game was also not victorious for the team, although slightly more severely this time. Canby defeated the Pioneers 82-58.
Ultimately, the team has an overall win-loss record of 0-3. The JV and freshman teams have been more successful, freshmen winning their games against Century, Canby and Hood River Valley JV winning theirs against Century.
The basketball team hopes to improve throughout the season and keep their spirits up. “It’s a lot more open we are a lot more vocal and social with each other and it’s nice having a student section,” junior Wayne Zimmerman said, commenting on his excitement about loosened COVID restrictions.
Teamwork and unification towards a common goal are deeply important to the team. “[If] one has bad grades on the team, we all make sure that the requirements are met for the next game so that we can play as a family,” Zimmerman said.
Working together continue to be important to the team, especially in improving their performance. “This team has a lot of potential [for] growth and a lot of good players ready to play for 32 minutes non-stop and I think we will go far,” senior Ian Johansen said. Team culture is also important element to unify their efforts. “Simply put, we are a family,” he said.
Head varsity coach Paul Henderson noted that the team has somewhat of a reputation to maintain. “[There is a] certain responsibility to keep traditions alive. Sandy plays with class. Sandy has done things the right way,” Henderson said.
Henderson also stressed the importance of teamwork. “[We] practice six days a week and work on team chemistry.” Henderson said that the upcoming Vince Dulcich Tournament on Dec 29 hosted at Astoria High School will be a major game for the team.
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