Last year’s boys’ basketball team accomplished a 20-6 record, which hasn’t happened in  over 30 years.

Of last year’s team, 11 seniors graduated. Therefore, this year’s team consists mostly of juniors and underclassman, along with one senior. The team is trying to stay positive as the season progresses, according to junior captain Wes Johnson.

“Having seniors is always good, but we might have a slow start due to the lack of experience,” Johnson said.

Head coach David Breitenbucher said he thinks one aspect the players will have to improve upon is their maturity.

“This year we’ll have to grow up a lot to play at the varsity level,”  Breitenbucher said. “I think we’ll be fine, but will have some challenges.”

Breitenbucher also said he thinks the key to great accomplishments is consistency.

“Our goal is to play consistently, no matter who we play, and get better in each game and practice,” he said.

Junior captain Nick Kjos said despite the lack of seniors the team remains close.

“We communicate really well on the court, which is our biggest thing,” Kjos said.
Although they communicate very well, with out the leadership of seniors the team struggles for a role model to set an example.

“With the loss of seniors there’s not going to be a certain leadership, the seniors seemed to have command of the court, but this season can be just as good if we work hard and practice.”

Breitenbucher said this year’s class of seniors doesn’t have very many players.

“I’m not sure why there aren’t many seniors, but we saw this coming,” Breitenbucher said. “This is just a class with not a lot dedicated to basketball.”

Dec. 7 the team played against Burnsville. Park lost 42-74, bringing Park’s overall record to 0-5.

Park’s next game home game is against Waconia 7:15 p.m. Dec. 13 at Park.

Kjos said students can help the boys’ basketball team improve its record by attending the games and supporting the them.

“It brings energy to the team and school spirit to the team and school spirit helps,” Kjos said.