Quick on your feet. Aware of other players. Prepared to receive the ball. Knowledge of terminology of the game.

These are the essential steps players need as game time approaches.

These feelings occur the instant the referee blows his whistle. Basketball has all this excitement and more, but as other athletes may know the game actually starts in school.

Head basketball coach, Tony Espinoza, stresses that in order to prepare for the season it is necessary to be “successful academically.”

Another goal he has is to be “competitive basketball wise throughout the season.” Along with Espinoza, players set goals for themselves that they wish to achieve by the end of the season.

The most common goal among players is to completely commit to the team in any way possible, and ultimately make it to the playoffs.

“I’m going to do whatever I have to do to help my team win,” senior Marcus Barnett-Armstrong said.

Along with  goals, the team also strives to work together efficiently. A big factor that senior Tre Reed says contributes to becoming a successful team member, is to “practice harder and (know) how to listen to the coach.”

As a newer member of the team, Reed sees what basketball can do to a player and how being a part of a team actually changes one’s mentality.

“It’s about growing up, being mature and actually being there for my team,” Reed said.

As a way to help players work together, and acquire techniques necessary for the season, team members attended the basketball summer league program directed by Espinoza. Those who were a part of this program gained more experience playing in basketball games.

They practiced hard during the week and entered tournaments along with other high schools’ teams.

“(Summer league) prepares you for the pressure and environment basketball brings,” Barnett-Armstrong said.

The experience players received from summer league may have helped them grow. However, due to some injuries the team has struggled at the start of their season.

Espinoza explains that so far, there hasn’t been much progress because they are “missing four of (their) guys,” so he hasn’t been able to see the whole team work together.

Leading scorer Jorge Hernandez,  junior, said the team experienced a downfall in scoring, fouls, turnovers, and rebounds.

But as an individual he said “all those hours in the gym are paying off.”

One issue the team is trying to improve upon in order to become more successful is believing in their own abilities.

“Last year we lacked in confidence,” junior Ramiro Ramirez said. With confidence in themselves, it will reflect upon the team and what the team will become.

Despite some of the difficulties players have been experiencing, league hasn’t started yet and the boys aren’t giving up. The team is using their preseason as a learning experience, which will help develop their skills, communication, and time management.