The boys basketball has gotten off to a great start with a record of 4-0, including a home opener win against Marianapolis, 73-61 on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

The team won two NEPSAC championships in 2014 and 2015. Last season they had a record of 15-7. They are led by Coach Farmer who is in his second season as head coach, and assistant coach Conroy who is entering his 17th season as the Athletic Director.

Forward Duncan LeXander ’18 said, “I think overall we are a very talented team. Everyone can score and everyone is a threat when they are on the floor. If we hang our hat on the defensive end, we could be pretty good.” Duncan signed his national letter of intent to play basketball next year at Charleston Southern University.

He added, “If we keep playing together I think we could go pretty far, but you never know, so many things happen in a season as long as ours [is] so we just have to take it one game at a time.” Duncan said the new recruits–the Wildcats recruited five post-graduates this season–are great. “Early on, chemistry is always something you have to work [on],” he said, “but we are picking it up quickly.”

Coach Farmer expressed his excitement towards the new season, “We look forward to all of our games. Every game is an opportunity for us to establish our level of performance. Our expectations for the season are to improve each week.”

He added, “This is a very competitive group and that is a strength for us. We have a lot of areas that we need to improve on, specifically our defensive position and principles.” He added,  “I love this team. Bunch of good guys and good basketball players. They are fun to coach. The goal is for everyone to do their best each day. Players, coaches, managers.”

PG Mike Manley is proud of his team’s friendship.

“Being on the team is a special feeling because you get to spend every day with your teammates and be a part of the brotherhood,” Mike said. “All of the guy on my team are my brother’s and we’re a family, so it’s a good feeling to know that we’ll have each other’s backs.”

He added that he feels great about the team.

“I believe we have a chance to compete for a championship with all of the talent on our team. We just have to keep improving every single day and learn how to play for one another.”

Mike Manley is setting the bar high for himself and for the team.

“My expectations for myself as a player is to be able to help my team win as many games as possible and be able to contribute in a positive way every time I am on the court,” he said. “I think as a player I will find ways to make my teammates better and I expect myself to do whatever it takes to win. The expectations for the team are to win as many games as possible and play for a NEPSAC championship at the end of our season.”