With basketball season just around the corner, there’s an unmistakable excitement in the air. The Lafayette Boys’ Basketball team is diving into practices, showcasing their dedication and commitment. The gym is filled with energy as they work hard to refine their skills for the upcoming season.

During practice, athletes concentrate on shooting and teamwork, often mixing hard work with moments of laughter. These small victories during training foster strong bonds between teammates. One activity that Lafayette does is condition during practice. They run laps around the gym, do suicides across the gym, and more. It helps the players prepare for the game so they don’t get out of shape. Another activity that Lafayette does at their practice is scrimmages, where they act like they are in a game and go against each other. The scrimmages help the players because the closer they get to their teammates, the more communication there will be during games.

Mental preparation is also crucial. When talking with the players, many of them mentioned that they listen to music before a game. Coach Butler noted that he thinks his team is on its way to being ready.

He told The Times, “The biggest challenge as a coach is finding what motivates the guys consistently.” Finding each player’s motivation can be a huge challenge because all players likely have different motivations. Sophomore Alex Howard mentioned, “Before games, I try to listen to music, stretch, and pray before playing games.”

The excitement of the new season extends beyond the court. School spirit is on the rise, with students, families, and friends helping to support their teams. The student sections love to participate in the game themes. One example of the theme is the Dance Blue theme, in which all the students wear their Dance Blue gear. The energy in the stands creates an exhilarating atmosphere that players thrive on, knowing they have a community rallying behind them.

With each practice, players become more prepared to face their rivals. Overall, this season promises competitive challenges, strengthening of team bonds, and school pride. Let’s support Lafayette High School in their first game of the season on December 3rd against Lincoln County. Come to the game to help support the team!