The sophomore boys’ basketball team had a rough start with a record of 2-7 in their first nine games. But, upon starting to play more as a team, they have won six out of their last seven games.

Coach Matt Walker has made good strides by tightening up on the defensive end and creating more scoring opportunities. One of the leaders who has stepped up to the challenge to make change is Isaac Ripley, ‘20.

Ripley states, “We started out pretty slow, but then we started to turn the ball over less and we won six straight.”

He credits his team’s latest success to, “Playing more as a team, I feel like we’ve really grown as a team as the season has progressed. The past couple games we’ve played well as a team, and we’re moving the ball more.”

Ripley feels he  has learned many things from basketball and Coach Walker.

“I’ve learned not to make Walker upset and how to play better defense,” said Ripley.

While there are still two more weeks to go in the season, his goals are to, “Win out and play better defense as a team and have fun.”

While Ripley is a huge part in the team’s latest success, there is an X-factor on the team who makes a big impact. That’s  Jack Doyle, ‘19.

Doyle is enjoying the team’s success. “We’re really starting to catch our stride. We beat a good Washington team a couple days ago, and everyone is starting to play together. It’s really fun right now.’’

Doyle especially enjoys,  “Watching Walker’s facial expressions in the locker room after a win.”

Like Ripley, Doyle has  learned many things from this year of basketball.

“I have learned how to work harder and take criticism and work on it, and to be more of a team player,” said Doyle.

Doyle and Ripley have similar goals in wanting to achieve winning the rest of their games closing in on the end of the season.

The sophomore team has made some deep strides that will carry through to next year but, for now, they are focused on finishing the season on a high note.