The Corry Beavers basketball team is entering another season this winter. The team, helmed by Mr. Bailey as their head coach, has been practicing both days and nights on end to prepare. Fans are excited for what this season will bring for the Beavers. How far will they go?
The Beavers are set to play 22 games this season, the first being on December 1. Last season, the team’s record was 11-11. This season Bailey predicts the team will take 13 to 16 wins out of those 22 games. The pressure is on for players and coaches alike to try and make this improvement from last season.
“You have to WANT to do HARD things for the TEAM,” Bailey said, noting the capitalization of those most important words. “Our focus for the year is intensity, defensive pressure, and communication.” Bailey hopes the intensity of the practices will carry directly into the intensity of the game.
The Beavers are not only shooting to do well in normal games, but also in the more competitive region play. “We want to be in the top 3 out of 6 in the region, that’s our goal,” Bailey said. “That will come with consistent basketball from everyone.” Here he uses “basketball” as a term that sums up the pinnacle of what he wants to see from the players: Good basketball.
The teams returning leading scorers are Rylan Smith (senior #23) and Markus Lambert (senior #15). Some of the key players are Tavon Kornikoski (senior #4), Carson Chamberlain (junior #3), Cameron Rickets (junior #30), Kamdyn Moon (sophomore #2), Landon Deane (sophomore #12), and Jack Albers (senior #21).
For students and fans there is a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks. There will be home games against Cambridge Springs, Maple Wood, Seneca, and General McLane. Senior night is against Maple Wood and the Jim Gruca Christmas Tournament will be held again this year. The spectator experience will be enhanced by performances by the pep band and the cheerleaders. Whether you’re a fan or a player, it’s safe to say that it’s worth getting excited over this upcoming season of Corry Beavers basketball.
