The boys’ varsity basketball team hopes to not only end with a successful season, but to become better people on and off the court.

“Our goals are always to compete as hard as possible and give us a chance to win every game we play. Besides that, we try to provide our guys a platform for whatever they want to do in the future by helping them understand what it takes to be a good person,” said Steve Lamberti, head coach.

Even though basketball is seen as a team sport, each athlete has a set of their own personal goals for the season.

“I want to average the most points on the team, stay as a starter, impress college coaches, and get a D1 offer by the end of the season,” said Nick Thomaston, senior.

Basketball is a highly competitive sport, and with that comes the ability to overcome obstacles.

“Adversity is something that all teams need to fight through…whether it be injuries, tough loses, difficult schedule, etc.” said Lamberti.

As a senior, John Kostelz has made many memories on the basketball team.

“Last year we got to play a game at the United Center and it was one of the coolest things I have ever done. Definitely will be something I will remember for a long time,” said Kostelz.

Most of the athletes joined the sport due to an outside influence.

“I started playing basketball when I was about eight years old. My parents wanted me to try it and I ended up loving it. Now it is a huge part of my life,” said Kostelz.

Robert Brooks, senior, has been playing basketball since the 5^th grade and has continued to play because he enjoys “the friends I make playing it and the recognition I get from my peers after a win.”

Lamberti has been a basketball coach for 13 years and he began coaching for many reasons.

“I enjoyed playing the game as a young kid and then was able to have success in it through high school and college. I always looked at my coaches as people that could help instill the right values in me by using the game of basketball. I envisioned myself being able to help others understand the game and help them really recognize how to be successful on and off the court,” said Lamberti.

Playing basketball for many years and stopping after high school may seem strange to the athletes, so some continue after high school at the collegiate level.

Brooks plans on playing “at Joliet Junior College, because I think that eventually it will help me get into a four year university.”