As the fall season comes to an end, the Trojans find themselves in full force ready to take on the basketball season. Shooting lights out, the first game was a success for both teams against their home opener opponents, the Hesston Swathers. Seniors Eli Sawyers and Drake Augustine said that the game they were most looking forward to this season was their first game vs the number one ranked team in Class 3A, Hesston. On the other hand, Senior Reagan Goetz and Junior Lexi Jacobson felt that the most exciting games this season will be during the Sterling Tournament and the second game of the season vs Smoky Valley. “There are some talented teams in the tournament and the games will be super competitive,” says Goetz. Jacobson is eager to end the losing streak that the girls have been battling for the past three seasons against Smoky Valley.

While the boy’s team will return all starters and varsity players, the girl’s team looks much different from last year. The Lady Trojans lost three varsity starters, who made a large impact on the team. This was a tough loss for the Lady Trojans, but they have gained many underclassmen that are looking to earn some varsity minutes. Goetz says, “This season will look different than last year because of the three seniors we lost last year. We won’t have as many subs. Those three seniors played a big role in our team last year and their shoes will be hard to fill.” Jacobson states, “I think that we will pick up pretty much where we left off last year, but we won’t be as deep so we better be in good shape. I’m pretty optimistic for this season, and I think we have a great group of girls that will be all in every game.” The girls have shown that they are having no trouble picking right back up where they left off by going 3-0 to start the season. The boys are feeling the same way. They have all of their returning starters, and they have also gone 3-0, which included knocking off the #1 Hesston and taking their place at the top of the ranking.

To some, one of the most controversial basketball topics is the shoe game. Augustine and Sawyers stated that they are a fan of colorful shoes. “I am a major shoe guy. I have seven different pairs in my rotation this year. Five of these pairs are multicolored, or non-matching colors,” says Eli. The girls on the other hand aren’t as opinionated. Jacobson says, “I am personally not too particular about my shoes. I tend to choose more neutral-looking shoes because I think they look sharp, but who knows, maybe I’ll get some colorful ones in the future.” Goetz added that she has always had neutral shoes in the past. 

All four players that we interviewed said that they would like to return to state and compete for the state title. Drake shared, “Keeping the thought that this is my last year before it is all over in my mind makes me work harder every day.” Drake also stated that “We are hungrier this year. Getting third at state was great, but we want to be holding the first-place trophy in March this time around.” Lexi and Reagan said that they would not only like to go to state, but go undefeated in league for a three-peat league title. The community of Southeast has shown great support and is rooting for the success of both teams. Good luck Trojans!