November 28 marked the inaugural home game for the West Chicago boys’ basketball team this season. The team went up against St. Charles North, a conference opponent in the Upstate 8 division. 

After tip-off, both teams scored on their first possession: a 3 off the glass by senior Jack Walsh for the Wildcats, and a layup by North Stars forward Jake Furtney. 

“Going into the game against St Charles North, we have to continue to hustle whilst being patient on offense. We have a game plan – now we just have to execute it,” Walsh said.

Despite strong shot selection from forward Mason Williams, a West Chicago senior, and great hustle from the whole roster overall, the lack of defensive presence on both ends of the court ultimately kept the points low. 

The final box score was 32 – 42 with Saint Charles leaving the court victorious.  

Prior to the opening home match against North, the team previously started its season with a Thanksgiving tournament Nov. 21-24, where they faced teams such as Westmount (47-54), Evergreen Park (41-71), and Lisle (49-52). 

Part of the struggle during the three-day tournament was that the team had trouble with rebounds and turning the ball over. Getting shots in from the free-throw line also proved problematic. 

Despite the losses, Walsh was named to the all-tournament team for his tenacity on the court.

“I was extremely grateful to be selected. However, I mainly wanted to focus on how our team could improve and continue contending in games,” Walsh said.

Now, the team is optimistic they will improve in practice, and in game play, through the offensive drills they have been running this week. 

“During the two games, as a team, we all stayed confident and intense the whole time. What led to that confidence was hard work, dedication, practice, and careful scouting led by our new head coach, Roy Ramos. We are confident that throughout the season our intensity and teamwork will carry into a positive outlook for this season,” senior Mason Williams said. 

Although Ramos is new to the program, the team has been prepping for this season since the spring. 

“The basketball program has been working hard for seven months and it’s going to start to show in these next games coming up,” senior Caleb Giannokis said.

The team now seeks to achieve its first victory this Thursday in an away game against the Bartlett Hawks, who are currently 0 – 3 in their season so far. 

The Wildcats feel their chemistry is strong, and that will help propel them to win the next game.

“Overall, our team’s dynamic is very broad. With our new coach, we hope to bring a new attitude, and demeanor to West Chicago basketball,” Williams said.