This story was originally published in the third edition of The Lion’s Tale (December 9, 2020).

The lights are on, the floor is bright and the bench is loud. All of these things can be expected to be found at any given basketball game this 2020-2021 season. At the time of this article being written, the Lions have played five games so far in their season. They have currently secured four wins and are planning to fight and earn many more.

Damien Bryant, a senior forward on the squad, was very clear on what they will do this season to get those wins and what the students can look forward to with this team.

“Students can expect to see us getting dubs and killing every team we play and us putting on a show,” Bryant said. “Look out for everyone on the team, but look for me too because I’m putting on a dunk show.”

With a new team, comes some new faces. Senior forward Braden Reyes is one new player added to the roster this year who is looking to contribute.

“From what I’ve been part of, we’ve tried to take every day[] at a time and focus on getting better,” Reyes said.

A player who can lock down the opposing offense, has a good work ethic and an eagerness to dominate and be better is surely someone to keep an eye on this season. The team is looking for a state championship after their run was cut short last year by no other than Hagerty High School.

When asked about goals and expectations, senior guard Ryan Prescott made sure to include the postseason in his response.

“My expectations are that we will go deep in the playoffs and hopefully win a championship,” Prescott said. “I’m looking forward to beating Hagerty this year,” he added.

With a chip on their shoulders, the boys are looking dangerous for any opposing team to guard up. The team comradery is the strongest it has been in years, according to Reyes.

“[We have] a very supportive and enthusiastic team; we are all playing for each other,” he said. “Look out for the best bench in Florida.”