Three months ago, the West Chicago Boys Basketball team celebrated an early-season triumph with a tournament win in Lisle. However, that bright start has given way to a challenging season. At 7-11 overall, the Wildcats are determined to claw their way back before playoffs begin. Can Coach Roy Ramos and his team rediscover their early magic and bring their fighting spirit to the finish line?
Much of the team’s early success came from its depth and energy.
“At the beginning of the season, we had a healthy team with fourteen players. Everyone was excited, and the energy was high,” Ramos said. “Having that depth helped us keep the intensity up in practices and games.”
However, the team’s depth has been tested as injuries sidelined key players like Ali Khan, Tristan McWilliams, and Robert Lee. Khan is due to return to the court soon after several weeks on the sidelines.
“Ali’s a really good player,” senior Ansh Parikh said. “With his help, maybe playing as the ‘other guy,’ like the best player on the other team, can really get us prepared.”
With the team navigating this challenging stretch, one player has remained a steady force. “Mr. Reliable,” “Mr. Consistent”—these are just some of the nicknames Joseph Trigueros has earned from his coaches and teammates. Known for his resilience and calm demeanor, the senior captain has been instrumental in keeping the team motivated.
“Joe is Mr. Reliable,” Ramos said. “You can count on him every day, every minute. He leads by example and is growing as someone who holds teammates accountable.”
Another player earning respect for his contributions is junior Peter Bovey. Initially not part of the main rotation, Bovey has become a steady sixth man.
“Peter made his impact in practice, and with all the injuries, he really stepped up,” Parikh said. “He guards the best players on opposing teams and plays with intensity. We rely on him heavily now.”
Likewise, junior Ryan Slattery has demonstrated consistency on the court, and is emerging as a key leader for the team.
“We know what we’re going to get out of him,” Parikh said. “He never disappoints us.”
Sophomore Marcus Brewell continues to standout, proving his worth as one of the team’s top scorers and three-point shooters. He earned All-Tournament honors at both the Lisle and Elgin Christmas tournaments, showcasing his ability to compete with some of the state’s best players.
“Marcus is a young and exciting player who’s stepping into a big role for us,” Ramos said.
Despite their hard work, the Wildcats have faced heartbreak with several close losses.
“Those close losses hurt more than the blowouts,” Parikh said. “It shows how much effort we’ve put in and how close we are to beating these strong teams.”
Bovey echoed this sentiment: “We’ve been in big leads against really good teams, but when it slips away, it’s frustrating. Still, it motivates us to keep pushing.”
As the team prepares for the playoffs, they are focusing on refining their strategy and regaining their early-season energy. Ramos highlighted the need for a faster pace and more self-reflection.
“We’ve been focusing a lot on opponents, but we need to spend more time watching our own film to improve. It’s about small adjustments and staying true to what worked for us early on,” Ramos said.
For the players, the journey is about more than just wins and losses. It is about growth, camaraderie, and resilience.
“My teammates and coaches motivate me,” Bovey said. “They work hard for me, and I work hard for them.”
The Wildcats know the road ahead won’t be easy, but they are embracing the challenge. With playoffs on the horizon, West Chicago boys’ basketball is determined to show their grit, determination, and fighting spirit in every game.