The boys basketball team has seen many changes this season. Last year, the varsity team included just two seniors, this year, the team includes nine. Senior, Isaiah Thaw says it is an important advantage for the team.

"There’s a lot of seniors, so we all know what it takes to win," Thaw said.

Assistant Varsity coach, Justin Helmer is looking forward to the rest of the season.

"We have potential to have a really good year," Helmer said.

Other than the number of seniors, the team has added some new things offensively.

"We expect (the team) to play with a lot of energy and fast pace," Helmer said.

This year is sophomore Amaude Frank’s first year on the varsity team and he is looking forward to the season.

"It feels good (to be on the varsity team) because it’s a challenge," Frank said.

After the Hays shootout last weekend, the boys will face a few more difficulties. Thaw broke his hand a little before half-time in the second game while blocking a shot. Thaw will have to sit out for a minimum of four weeks.

"It’s disappointing, because I’ll miss about three or four games," Thaw said.

Senior Tyler Mitchem also has struggled with injury. He has had a hip flexor injury since the first week of practices, and during the second game at Hays, also started suffering from back and rib pains, causing him to have to sit out of the rest of the game as well as the third game. Mitchem will be sitting out tonight and it is unknown whether he will have to miss any other games.

Helmer continues to be optimistic following the injuries.

"We’ll do just fine, we just need other guys to step up," Helmer said.

Thaw agrees that the team is prepared to deal with missing a member, or two, if necessary.

"We don’t have individuals, we have a team," Thaw said.

The boys went 1-2 at the Hays shootout, winning their first game against Kearney, Neb., 64-56, losing their second game against Desoto, 60-46 and losing their third game against Riley County, 54-53.

The varsity boys play tonight at Dodge City and their first home game is next Friday against McPherson.