WS boy’s basketball looks to break old habits this season. The habit? Losing. Spartan boys basketball has had a rough decade, going without a winning record since the 2015-16 season.
In the early season, the Spartans started off their season two and two, with their losses coming in from region play against the Potomac Senior Panthers and the Langley Saxons, who made a comeback after losing in the first half. WS’ two wins came in away games, in opposition with the Stafford Indians and the Falls Church Jaguars. The Spartans shined offensively, putting up over 60 points in both games.
Approaching winter break WS faced three teams in a five day span: the Oakton Cougars, Alexandria City Titans, and Robinson Rams. In those three games, the Spartans dropped two games, both away games, against Oakton and Robinson. The glaring statistic as to what could explain these losses are turnovers. The Spartans combined for over 40 turnovers within the two losses. In the win against Alexandria City, their defense was the highlight of the night, only allowing 44 points. Yet, the Spartans had a difficult time converting defense into offense, ending with 49 points, a season low up to that point.
With winter break in full swing, Spartan basketball headed down to Richmond, VA, for an in-season tournament. There, the Spartans went one and two, losing to the Manchester Lancers, who are 9th in Virginia’s 6th division, and the Atlee Raiders, who are 18th in Virginia’s 4th division.
Following winter break, the Spartans traveled to C. G. Woodson High School to challenge the Cavaliers, who were ranked third within the district at that point. WS couldn’t keep up with Woodson, falling to four and eight. Later in the week the Spartans found themselves in a rivalry showdown with the South County Stallions. In a defensive first half WS and south county stayed close in score, 19-18. Spartans senior guard Isaac Heaton led WS into a groove in the third quarter, consistently hitting three pointers against an overwhelmed South County’s defense. The Spartans began converting defense to offense, capitalizing on Stallion mishaps. WS ended up running away with the game at the end, winning in a huge upset, headlined by Heaton’s career high 30 points.
“All the seniors came together and decided to stick together, win or lose.” said Heaton, “I trusted all my teammates to get me the ball and I knew my work I put in the off-season would pay off.”
The rivalry mayhem didn’t stop there. The Spartans took on the Lake Braddock Bruins at home, where they kept it close down to the last few seconds. WS capitalized on the Bruins shallow bench, as Lake Braddock only suited up seven players. In the dying embers of a neck and neck contest both teams were even at 53 points each. With six seconds left Spartans senior forward Cole Scanlan made a deep two to end the game.
“It feels great to win! I love winning these rivalry games. The energy was incredible, from both sides, it feels great to put on a show in front of the fans.” said Scanlan. “I am so thankful for the trust my teammates have in that [late game] situation.”
A huge part of basketball is confidence, the willingness to drive towards the basket, take a foul, or shoot a contested three.
“The confidence we infuse into one another makes us play better,” said senior forward Brennan Rapoza, “We hold each other accountable. We want to change people’s view on [WS basketball].”
Coaches instilling confidence in their players can go a long way as well.
“We are a very dynamic squad,” stated Jabbie. “By that I mean a lot of our players can play many positions on the court, making defending more difficult for opposing teams.”
Injuries are always a huge part of team success, and the Spartan had their fair share. Senior Brennan Rapoza entered the season with an elbow injury, senior Finn Richardson sustained a four to six week lower body injury early in the season, and junior Maxwell Maneno sprained his ACL in the midseason tournament. All three starting caliber players. All suffered injuries, two longer termed.
“Max is one of our best players,” said junior guard Sinjin Schmeck, “It hurts, but we all need to step up and fill the void.”
With the history that this team has, changing the culture is a common talking point among coaches, players and spectators. Changing the culture of a team comes in many forms, many involving an energy shift, promoting excitement, positivity and hard work.
“Fan and parent support is particularly important to our team. [As a player] you want to show that your hard work is paying off,” said Assistant Coach Khalil Jabbie. “It’s nothing like gameday, playing in front of fans and feeling that energy.”
