The Basketball season starts soon, and the Bulldogs are hungry. The Bulldogs have struggled the last couple of seasons, going 3-22 last year, 3-20 in 2022, and  8-15 in 2021. But that is no excuse, and the team is gearing up for a fresh start, fueled by the lessons of the past and a collective commitment to teamwork and dedication.

Having losing seasons a few years in a row is difficult and it could destroy the mental of athletes, but it’s about how hard you work in the offseason and the practices leading up to the next game.

Having that motivation and grind to want to be better and be better the next year is very crucial to having a winning program.

Senior Captain Kyle Senkowitz was asked how motivated and excited he is for this upcoming season and what the team needs to improve on as a whole to be successful. Senkowitz states, ” As a team, we are very excited and motivated. Last year didn’t go as expected and this year we are looking to turn the program around. “

Senior Captain Ryan Gee was also asked, and he elaborated, ” We are all excited and can’t wait to see what this season holds for us, but every little thing matters to be successful this season. Whether it’s practice after school, shooting on your own, taking mental reps, and listening to your coaches every day, every little thing matters.” 

Every little thing matters and if the team wants to reach goals and strive for success, they will have to grind every single day and play the hardest they can. The Bulldogs want to win the NE8 and win a District Championship, but that is not possible if they do not all play together and listen to their coaches every day leading up to every game. Success does not come without failure.

Zach Poptic, a Junior, was asked what he thought about this upcoming season and expectations for him and his teammates, and who he looks forward to playing with this season. He elaborated, “This year is going to be a grind and we all have to come together and play as 1. This year is going to be important for me and my teammates and we have to play together every game. I am looking forward to having Ryan Gee, Kyle Senkowitz, and Carter Doran by my side this year and the rebuilding process we will go through.” 

The Bulldogs will have to be road dogs to start the season with 4 away games, and they will open their season up on December 5th against Liberty, where Mcdonald, Niles, and Howland will follow. The Bulldog’s first home game will be against South Range on December 19th and it will be a big game and challenge.

Poptic adds, “Being road dogs to start the season is going to be a test to start the season, but we are preparing by having scrimmages on the road to get in that mindset and prepare for what it will feel like. Being locked in on the bus is a huge part and being focused is huge to me.” 

In the upcoming season, the Bulldogs are embracing a culture of collaboration and unwavering dedication. Each player recognizes their role within the larger framework of the team, understanding that individual success is intertwined with the success of the whole. Through shared goals, relentless effort, and a mutual passion for the game, the Bulldogs have to aim to transform dedication into victories on the court. As the season unfolds, it will be the blend of teamwork and unwavering dedication that propels us toward success.

Come out this season and support the Bulldogs as much as you can this season and show what Lakeview is all about.