Boys Basketball on a hot streak
By Isaac Krueger
The Rams started their year a measly 1-4, a rough start to say the least. Since then, however, they have won 9 straight games and lost a very close game to a talented Bixby team. They now sit at 9-5 with their sights set on keeping their momentum well into the post-season.
Boden Williams shot by Cambry Shields
This string of success can be largely attributed to the up-and-coming class of ultra-talented freshmen led by the likes of Jalen Montonati and Boden Williams. Though these underclassmen boast an exceptional level of talent, it took a while for them to adjust to the game and connect with the veteran players. But once the in-game connection was formed, this team found their way to success.
“It’s a good feeling to know that you are not the only freshman out there,” freshman guard Williams admits, “It can even be a pressure reliever, but we know that we’re young and inexperienced, so we’ll take our lumps, but we know we are getting better every day.”
Though on the court they took some time to adjust, off the court, the team instantly bonded. In a game as momentum-dependent as basketball (in both a single game and an entire season), team chemistry is crucial. The ability to regroup when something goes wrong and continually feed off of each other’s success is a big part of a winning team.
Starting Five taken by Cambry Shields (from left to right): Boden Williams Fr. G, EJ Lewis Sr. PG, Jalen Montonati Fr. G, Isaiah Mclemore Jr. G, Brandon Mann Sr. PF.
William exhibits, “The best part of this team is our chemistry; we all are willing to sacrifice ourselves for the better of the team. We all hang out off the court and that translates to on the court when we are playing.”
Team chemistry is half of the coin, however. The players need a system in order to be successful. The coaches are responsible for creating a winning system, and it is the player's job to fill in and find their role. This was another contribution to the early season struggle, but every player has grown into their position on the team.
“The way I’ve found my role on this team is just trusting the coaches and their system,” Williams acknowledges, “Everyone on the team has a role and the coaches give us a lot of freedom, so I just try to take advantage of every opportunity I have.”
Understanding each other and their part on the team, the Rams now look to keep this hot streak going into the post-season. This team has lofty goals, but with their determination and continuous improvement, the Rams believe they can get it done on the big stage.
Boden Williams taken by Cambry Shields
“No Owasso boys [basketball] team has ever won a State Championship,” Williams admits, “so we are trying to be the first to ever do it. We know we will face adversity, but we know we can do it.”