Orioles look toward Metro West
Boys’ basketball begins conference matchups
January 12, 2016
Junior Ryan Domres jogged down the court, wiping the sweat off his brow after making another jump shot in Park’s 76-59 win over Richfield Dec. 15, their first conference win of the 2015-16 season.
Domres, Park’s leading scorer according to head coach David Breitenbucher, said he hopes to extend his hot streak as the Orioles begin conference play, currently with a 9-3 record.
Domres said he looks forward to conference games because of the opportunities they give the team later in the season.
“Conference games are important because a better conference record means we get a better seed in sections,” Domres said.
Junior guard Deonta Stewart said the team motivates itself during games by keeping students in mind.
“Our biggest motivation is our community and our school,” Stewart said. “We know our students want a champion.”
Breitenbucher said he thinks playing conference teams later in the season makes for added competition.
“Now that we’ve played so many non-conference games, I think that everyone’s playing at a higher level,” Breitenbucher said. “You get a better game from the other team. You get their best shot, compared to the beginning of the year.”
Stewart said the team has a newfound offensive strength, which helps during conference matchups.
“Our biggest strengths are chemistry, our speed and our shooting,” Stewart said. “Everybody on our team can hit the three-point shot and we run the fastbreak well.”
Breitenbucher said in order for the team to succeed in conference games, it needs to work on solidifying its game.
“It’s been sloppy. I mean we’re doing okay, but I feel like we could be doing so much better,” Breitenbucher said. “If we can tighten up on both ends of the floor, we can really play some good basketball.”
Domres said conference games excite him because of the competitive environment and the teams Park gets to face.
“I’m really looking forward to playing Chaska,” Domres said. “Those are going to be some tougher matchups and I’m excited to see how we do.”
The Orioles hit the court at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School.
