Our boys basketball team is getting ready for another exciting season. Starting the season ranked as the number 10 team in the state, this season has high hopes and a lot to look forward to. This year’s team includes several returning varsity players who bring high levels of skill and add a lot to this year’s team.
The Giants will open the season at home tonight against Fishers, the number one team in the state. This game will help set the tone for the rest of the year.
“Naturally you want to win, but I want to see them execute and do and do the things that we’ve been practicing,” coach Don Carlisle said.
Ben Davis played Fishers for the state title two seasons ago. Fishers also made the state game last year before losing to Jeffersonville.
Two of the biggest rivalry games this season are on December 19 against Warren Central and on February 5 against Pike. These matchups bring out some of the loudest crowds of the year, so if you want to go to a game this year, these two are the most energetic and exciting as they get.
Players know these games mean more than just another win; they’re about school pride and staying locked in in tough moments that help them prepare for games held in the state tournament.
“I don’t really believe in pressure,” Carlisle said. “I believe that if you attack it like any other game, then it removes that kind of stigma that’ll make you nervous and do things like that. What I really would like to see is our energy and effort be the same, no matter who we play. So I don’t really consider it a big game. I just consider it the next or the first game that we have, so as far as preparing for pressure, as I said, I just don’t.”
A major focus this season is building strong team chemistry. Many players spent the offseason working playing club ball and doing school open gyms, and that bond is expected to help them out this season.
“Team chemistry for me, if it’s not the most important, it’s up near the top, because if guys, if kids, if student athletes have genuine love for each other, then they want to see the person that they love or care for do well. And then it becomes more about the group than it is. The individual, as far as success goes. For me, team chemistry is important, and we’ve been doing a good job of now, as we have in the past, of making sure there are opportunities for us to interact off the court and be able to build those things the way that we need to, because it’s important to our program,” Carlise said
The state tournament begins on March 3rd, and the Giants hope to have another state title run. With hard work, discipline, and a competitive mindset, Ben Davis is aiming to make another serious run.
This season has the potential to be another special one. The seniors are looking to leave their mark behind and hope to go for it all.
