As the fall sports season comes to an end and winter arrives, the boys basketball, girls basketball, and boys hockey teams are all ready to go after months of intense practices, conditioning sessions, workouts, and tryouts. Here’s a look at how these teams have been preparing and what we can expect from them this season.
Hockey
Coming off of a solid season where they made it to the second round of regional playoffs, the M1 boys hockey team is ready to get back at it. According to Junior hockey player Emerson Somers, the team has been preparing since the beginning of the summer. “We started the pre-season with summer league and summer practices; those were both great experiences for all of us.” The work didn’t stop there. The team prepared in the fall with workouts, practices, and film sessions, and several players like Ethan Zepke, Isaac Imasa, and Keison Grenier have already begun to stand out. Goals and expectations are high for this season. Somers said, “[The team] can go far in the playoffs, but it will be harder than last year because there are so many new young guys on the team.” Despite this, Somers isn’t worried, “We’re a pretty tight-knit group, and we’ve done a lot of bonding. I also think that’s going to help us get to where we want to go.” With a mix of experienced veterans and young returners, the hockey team’s preparation and chemistry will put them in a great position for another deep postseason run.
Boys Basketball
After a tough 6-18 season last year, the boys basketball team is looking for a fresh start under new head coach Jay McCulloh. Coach McCulloh didn’t hesitate to get the boys to work as soon as he was hired. Since last spring, the boys have had countless open gyms, conditionings, workouts, practices, meetings, and scrimmages. Junior captain Drew Sermo said, “I think these workouts got us all in great shape, but more importantly, helped us form bonds,” he added, “I think team chemistry is one of our biggest strengths this year.” The team is young this year, with only one senior on the roster and seven underclassmen. “I think lack of experience and size could lead to some challenges for us,” Sermo said. Despite these potential challenges, the basketball team is set on winning districts this year. “Every time we break it down after practice or a workout, we say ‘state champs on three’, so we’re reminded of what we’re working for every day,” said Sermo. With a new coach, stronger chemistry, and a renewed work ethic, the boys’ basketball team’s preparation is expected to take a major leap this season.
Girls Basketball
After back-to-back seasons ending in the district finals, the girls’ varsity basketball team is heading into this year with a fresh mindset and renewed energy. Senior returner Katelin Sills said the team’s offseason was one of the most intense and productive they’ve ever had, “starting with summer league games, open gyms in August, and a new Monday conditioning club in the weight room.” With many starters having graduated, this year’s team is young and stepping into bigger roles, but Sills believes the shared community has made the leadership feel natural, saying “We’re all working for a common goal and we all love each other. So I think it’s really easy to be a leader,” she adds, “It’s like we’re just helping our friends get better every day.” Moving up a division to the OAA White adds another challenge, but the team’s preparation and improved chemistry have them confident. Sills said this season is “kind of like a building year,” with new starters and a new division, but the goals are still high, especially after two straight trips to the district finals. “Come out and support us,” she said, “We’re going to be a fun team to watch this year.”
As winter sports officially begin, one thing is clear through all three programs: preparation is the foundation, and belief is the driving force. With months of work behind them, these teams are ready to compete, grow, and chase something bigger than what they had last year. If their effort this offseason is any indication, Berkley fans should expect an exciting winter for sports.
