With the season well underway, Lexington High School’s basketball teams have been working hard. On top of being high-school students, they train for two hours a day, six days a week, and have frequent games.

“A lot of the time, I use basketball as a way to relieve my stress and take time away from school. But occasionally, I feel anxious to get home and do my homework,” Stella Criniti, a junior and captain of the girls varsity basketball team, said. 

Although balancing school and basketball is difficult, the team’s hard work has paid off. This season has exceeded the expectations for the girls varsity team.

“[The girls team] is 12-4 in our league, which is considered really good in girls basketball,” Steven Solly, the girls varsity coach, said.

Similarly, the boys varsity team has had a successful season so far. 

“We’re 9-6 right now: one game away from qualifying for the state tournament, one win away,” Derin Ongur, a senior and captain of the boys varsity team, said.

However, with every sport comes challenges. Although losses can be discouraging, players on the team emphasized the importance of accepting them and moving on.

“You can’t dwell on too long on each loss. We have a saying that the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason,” Ongur said.

One of the reasons for the teams’ success is their communication. Although working hard individually is important, coming together as a team is what allows them to win.

“I think we need to constantly check in with each other to make sure people are in the same place. When there tends to be an issue, we’re able to get through it if we talk,” Criniti said.

Strong communication has also helped build stronger relationships and friendships on the team. 

“I met some of my lifelong friends and really like my brothers through basketball. The best part about the team is being a part of something bigger than yourself,” Ongur said.

Due to the discipline and dedication it requires, basketball allows students to develop and improve as both leaders and team members.

“I like the journey, seeing where the kids start and where they finish… Seeing the individuals freshmen year to sophomore year to senior year… I love seeing that process,” Solly said.

Ongur believes that basketball is a worthwhile experience for everyone involved, whether it’s players, coaches, or fans.

“No matter who wins or loses, no matter what just happened or what’s going to happen next, as long as you do everything together with your teammates, you’ll never lose because you’ll come out knowing that you gave your all,” Ongur said.