SSN: Boys Basketball Season Preview

Davis Brown

The HSE boys’ basketball team had a bit of a down year last year. With a lack of varsity experience, the boys fought very hard to a 9-14 record. It wasn’t all bad though, with some signature performances like the 66-58 road win vs the 22-7 Westfield Shamrocks, and the tough victory vs a Brownsburg team who finished second in the conference. Perhaps the most exciting game was their rivalry Mudsock game vs Fishers High School. They fought the 21-3 conference champion Tigers into double overtime, but just fell short 70-68. 

Perhaps this left a bad taste in their mouths, because this year the Royals are out for revenge. Losing some key players like Sam Jacobs and Tyler Lacy will be tough, but they have much needed experience returning to the floor. Reph Stevenson will lead the pack, with seniors Christian Pfeifer and Joe Karwowski bringing some 3pt opportunities. Guard play from Juniors Deion Miles and Donovan Hamilton will be key to success as well. 

The team without a doubt will go through some growing pains, like all young teams do. I spoke with senior Joe Karwowski, and asked him about his experience, and how he overcame a rough injury last year. “I learned that not everything will go your way in life, and to achieve your goals, there are going to be bumps in the road. It is about how you handle the adversity in the end” he told me. I also spoke with junior Donovan Hamilton and asked him about this opportunity to become a leader. He told me, “Im really excited for this season, and I think we can surprise a lot of people, despite being a young group. Looking forward to growing in basketball and as a person, and im trying to pave a way for myself and teammates who are returning next season”. 

These guys are fired up, along with Coach Ashworth in his second year, and they’re all willing to put in the work needed to have a successful season. Make sure you show out to the important games, like senior night vs Avon on December 2nd, and the Mudsock match on December 16th. Below is a schedule for the rest of the games. Go Royals! 

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