Just as the timer ticks down Hayden Stone dribbles the ball making the winning shot for McHenry High School’s basketball team. The gym goes silent as everyone watches the ball hit the backboard, then the crowd roars as our beloved basketball team cheers, winning yet another game.

Right now, MCHS’s junior varsity record has been 6-4 and our varsity record is 15-4. Many say that this was their best year yet. A lot of good wins and amazing memories were made this season. With the new head coach pushing his team constantly.

“The goal is always to play well,” said new head coach Corky Card. “I think we have made some strides during the year so far, getting a lot better defensively.”

Multiple players on the team reported that this was the best season that they have had.

“This is the year we have been doing the best since we have been together as a group,” said sophomore Dayton Warren.

Some of the success has been due to how the coaches have been preparing for games differently this year.

“We prepare with scout reports and practices that are geared not only towards our own individual growth, but also we prepare towards whoever our opponent is too,” said Assistant Head Coach Robert Niemic. “We focus on improving ourselves for half the practice and on how we’re going to defeat the next opponent on our schedule.”

As well as the coaches having their prep routines, many of the players have their own routines to get into the right mindset before games.

“I like to listen to music,” said Sophomore Landon Jett. “Or sometimes I will sit there and think about what I am going to do during the game.”

With the team in the middle of their conference games, Coaches are looking at a good turn out.

“Crystal Lake South is 8-0,” said coach Card. “Then after that there are several teams that are more out than back with 3 losses. So we are right in the pack of fighting for second place right now.”

Memories were made on the courts fighting against the clock, but many players said their favorite memories from the team  have been off the court.

“We hangout a lot,” said Junior Caleb Jett. “We have been having team dinners this year and just hanging out after.”

With winter coming to an end, so is this year’s 2023-2024 basketball season.