Since the start of June the varsity, junior varsity and freshmen boys’ basketball teams have been working hard to become better athletes and a better team in all. Through sweat and screams these boys worked all summer. Running up stadiums steps in the hot summer heat, to spending countless days in the weight room, the teams have done it all.

“Being a freshman on varsity is a huge privilege I have. I have to work harder to be able to compete with the higher competition,” Bryce Dotson, freshmen said.

Dotson, the only freshmen to be on varsity this season is thrilled to be on the team. Sophomores, Jaxon Etter and Matthew Lane, join Dotson, as well.

“I want my team to be as successful as we can by putting in the hard work and showing that we can compete at the next level and soon bring a championship to Etowah as we move up to higher levels,” Zack Nunez, freshmen said.

With a new coaching staff lead by Allen Whitehart, these teams are seeing a bright future. Senior Lewis Simonson expects a great season, “We plan on bringing home the region championship this year.”

During their first home game, all players took the court against Marist and Milton. Fans could see the smiles on the boys’ faces on the court and off. Each player as an individual found a way to succeed in every aspect. The freshmen starting five averaged 10 points apiece against Milton; jv fought hard but came up short against Milton, and varsity trounced Marist, 56-43.

“My favorite thing about basketball here at Etowah is the brotherhood of it all, and how everybody picks everybody up,” Rhod Many, sophomore said.

Basketball is a team sport. It is not about one player who does it all; everyone has to work together to win. These boys are the definition of team. They work hard and all strive towards the same goal: the region championship.