Fall sports seasons have officially wrapped up, and winter sports are quickly approaching. “I am so excited for the basketball season to start. I think our team has been working hard in the offseason, and I believe it will definitely pay off,” said senior and girls basketball Captain Phoebe Josephson.

Senior and boys basketball Captain Bryce Johnson emphasized the importance of early preparation: “Preseason training plays a significant role in shaping both team dynamics and player morale in basketball. It sets the foundation for our entire season, allowing us to build trust and communication early.”

The National Institutes of Health supports this approach, noting that “the preseason period in basketball is considered one of the most crucial phases during a complete basketball season because it includes all the physical and physiological attributes that the players need to work on.” For Parker’s athletes, preseason is more than just conditioning. It’s an essential period for bonding, building strength, and fostering teamwork.

Freshman Harper Adler has noticed a difference in how boys basketball is perceived at Parker. “Boys basketball feels more competitive and is taken more seriously. They began their preseason three weeks ago, while we started later. At Blue Out games, the boys team draws a larger crowd, though I believe the girls team deserves just as much credit. They also have open gym sessions every day, whereas we only have them once a week,” Adler said.

Basketball holds special meaning for many Parker athletes. “Basketball has been a significant part of my life, shaping my identity both on and off the court,” Johnson said. 

For some, being part of the team is about more than just the sport itself. “I really love being a part of a team, and the basketball team especially is a place where I can just be myself and meet a variety of people. The environment that the coaches and the entire team create is truly unique,” Josephson said. This season is bittersweet for Parker seniors as they prepare for their final year of high school basketball. 

“The four years have gone by very fast, and there have been many ups and downs that came with it, but I’m grateful for the memories I’ve been able to collect. My goal from day one was to leave a legacy like the people before me have and change the culture of Parker Basketball,” senior Miles Johnson said.

There’s an air of excitement with the arrival of new players, especially the freshmen. This year’s team includes several promising new athletes eager to make their mark. “I feel great and well-prepared. This is the start of my high school basketball career. My goal is to prove to people that my age doesn’t matter and that I can really play,”  freshman Chris Chiles said.

The Parker basketball team is energized for the upcoming season. “I’m really excited for the basketball season to start because it’s an opportunity to lead my team as a captain and push us to reach our full potential. I’ve been working really hard in the offseason, and I can’t wait to see how our dedication and team chemistry come together on the court,” Bryce Johnson said.

Overall, players are already enjoying the energy leading up to the season. Freshman Tyson Madkins is looking forward to being a part of the team. “I can’t wait for the season to start. The energy that our seniors have given us during the open gym practices is just what we need to get ready for the season.”