By Julia Angelotti, Reporter
Kaneland sophomore boys’ basketball tryouts focused on four main things for decide who should be on the court this season, coach Adam Wickness said.
Fifteen percent of tryout evaluation was summer participation, such as if the player went to summer camps and participated in the summer basketball league. Twenty percent was their overall basketball skills, 25 percent was grades and in-class behavior and 40 percent was solely the player’s motivation to hustle. The boys trying out didn’t know what to expect at tryouts.
Sophomore Trever Heinle said he was focused on getting stronger in the off-season and getting in shape for tryouts.
“I am treating tryouts just like I would a normal practice. It is going to be up-tempo, lots of fast-paced drills that demonstrate their ability to listen, adjust quickly to changing scenarios and their ability to play within their skill set on the court,” Wickness said.
The majority of the boys have been playing together for over three years.
“We all have really good team chemistry,” Heinle said.
Last year’s records may be hard to beat, winning the conference championship.
“I thought that they had a fantastic season last year, culminating with a conference tournament championship. It always helps with your confidence when you end the year on a high note. I was pleased with the way they played [at times] this summer in our league over in Sycamore. With Coach Johnson now being the varsity coach, there is a whole new offense, defensive philosophy and set of rules that the players now need to adhere to, so I am excited about working with this group of young men,” Wickness said.
This being the last year in the Western Sun Conference, Kaneland wants to leave a lasting impression, Wickness said.
“I’m looking forward to winning another conference championship,” sophomore Tyler Heinle said.
Wickness is holding this team to a high standard.
“I think that this has been a great conference for us to be in. I have high expectations for this team, and I truly feel that they can be better than any team in our conference. Our guards like to put a lot of pressure on the other team, and the post guys can hold their own with anyone in the conference,” Wickness said.
These players also know how to liven up the pressure in games and practices, Heinle said.
“My favorite part about basketball is when I get to shoot the three,” Heinle said.
As for leaders on this team, Wickness feels they’re all capable of it.
“I am hoping that accountability will be something that all of the members of the team take seriously. My goal is for them to hold each other accountable for working hard, for being prepared and for making sure that they are dedicated to the team first,” Wickness said. “Basketball is more than just a ball bouncing off a backboard.”
“Give it your best every time you step out onto the court. Don’t take anything for granted. This game requires quick, on-your-feet thinking, discipline and an ability to be selfless,” Wickness said.