As the years advance and the travel team grows, the basketball team gets progressively better. This year, the Logansport Junior High School team won most of their games, only losing two. Players continue to prepare at the high school level and hope to welcome next year’s freshmen.
Apart from the obvious differences in the way the sport plays out, Chris Keisling, the high school coach still has work to shape new and old players into their best form.
“Coming into High School basketball is a big jump from the Junior High School team,” said Keisling. “Typically, they have to learn to play much more physically and faster after they move over.”
A girl from LJHS playing basketball for the first time says she felt prepared even during her first season.
“The coach is getting us ready for our next season at the high school,” said LJHS student Keila Juan. “The coach gives all she can to teach us different setups and makes us put in the hard work.”
Several things make this generation of basketball players experienced. This includes major setbacks like an injury, forcing them to work harder than usual.
“When I played for LJHS, I broke my nose during a basketball game,” said Quinones. “I had to get surgery for it and was out for a long time, but then I recovered and didn’t let it throw off my season. In the end, I was alright, and I kept going.”
Players that were previously coached at junior high have higher expectations than new players. This can be from the crowd, coach or even teammate.
“I have high expectations for Khloe Wells and Lily Clem just because of their height,” said Quinones. “They can get a ton of rebounds in. With Khloe being over six foot, she has an insane amount of potential.”
A female basketball player from the junior high, Chloe Wicker has been recognized by her peers for her abilities and has even claimed to be one of the best eighth-graders.
“This season, I know she did really well because she has the skills to do so,” said Juan. “She is pretty much the best on her team, and she is on the better of the two teams, so she’s impressive.”
Even the coach at LHS is excited to hear about the class of 2029; knowing that the team’s potential could skyrocket much better than before.
“It would always be great to see them be amazing on the court,” said Keisling. “I am looking forward to having them here. Usually, we have to fix passing and ball-handling skills, but they will all get there in no time.”
