“We will just have to play team basketball this season,” boys varsity basketball captain Zach Lansburgh said. This season, the boys, lead by captains Landsburgh, Senior Ryan Skok, Senior Alex Chapman, and Senior Jack Mcnabola. are being pushed to work as a unit and collaborate more than they had to in past seasons. Last June the team lost to graduation some of the best players in Parker’s recent history, including Marc Taylor, Ben Gershuny, and Jason Lansing. Junior Gabe Gross said, “Marc, Ben, and Jason were some of Parker’s best basketball players.” Their absence has pressured the team to stop relying on star players to carry them to victory, which has lead to less individualized play and more teamwork.

“All three were great leaders,”  Lansburgh said. “Marc provided the majority of our offense and was a great defensive anchor. Ben was very knowledgeable about the game and kept team morale high. Jason brought a certain toughness to our team in practices and in games that we wouldn’t have otherwise had.”

The qualities those three brought to the team will need be embodied by current players. “It will be challenging not having them because it will take time for us to begin to fulfill these roles and responsibilities again.” Lansburgh said.“However, with time, other players will step into these roles,”

Senior Cameron Miller, a newcomer to the team, stands at 6 feet 3 inches. “We have very good point guards,” Miller said, “but we lack height, so our guards have to handle the ball and shoot well for us to be successful.”

“We will not try to replace them,” varsity coach of two years Kevin Snider said, “but we will build on the values and leadership they brought to the team.”

The team’s cooperation allows for a greater connection from player to player. Lansburgh said, “Everyone seems to have a good feel for one another on and off the court.”

And there’s also new veterans. “We have many seniors on the team,” Snider said, “and they will bring knowledge, experience, and leadership to the program,” The team won their first game of the season against Wolcott school with four seniors in their starting lineup.

The senior leaders have created a friendly and inviting atmosphere. “I wasn’t totally sure I wanted to play, but I felt so welcomed by the upperclassmen,” Freshman Bodie Florsheim said. “They made the team look so fun, and I knew from their determination and care for basketball, I wanted to be involved.” freshman Bodie Florsheim said.

Even some who are not part of the team, have noticed the atmosphere. “I can tell from watching them that they have a good dynamic and know how to work together,” fan of the team and sister of the captain freshman Olivia Lansburgh said. “I kind of noticed the same thing last year, but it’s so much more clear to me this season and seems to be more present. It’s obvious that more teamwork has been incorporated into this season than the past.”

The team is in a tough position given their loss of some key players, but the boys have been able to move forward without forgetting the past.