The varsity basketball team (25-12,10-5 last season) sets to kick off its season on Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. against Little Elm (13-21, 2-12 last season) in its first tournament of the year. The team heads into year three under head coach Toby Martin and looks to improve its win total for a second consecutive season.

The Farmers look to bounce back after losing to Martin (30-6, 11-1 last season) in the second round of the playoffs last year 55-53. The team looks to clean up mistakes, especially as the season goes on.

“[The team’s] frustrated because we know simple things we could have done to win that game,” Martin said. “We were one for eight from the free-throw line in the first half. To be able to make shots when we’re tired is something we practice. I’m looking forward to a deep postseason run [this season].” 

The offseason is key for newer players to prove themselves on the team and returning players to improve on last year. Martin highlighted senior forward Max Hindman as a first-time varsity player who “took the jump.”

“I’m looking to make the hustle plays,” Hindman said. “I feel confident [going into varsity]. I’ve been playing for two years, so I’m ready.”

Hustle players such as Hindman compliment the team’s scorers: junior forward Aj Mcpeters and senior guards Rakai Crawford and Landon Brown. 

“Crawford’s maturity and him becoming a lead scorer [is] something we’re going to be able to rally behind,” Martin said. “Mcpeters will help take the scoring burden off of those two guys.”

Another emphasis the team has is communication on defense. As new players join, it creates a bigger need to improve on the defensive end and chemistry.

“I’ve been trying to work on my defense,” Brown said. “Talking and communicating so we know what we’re supposed to and help each other out.”

Martin said the team will start guys based off matchups. He described the team as a “meritocracy.” Everyone will have to prove themselves for playing time and to get wins.

“It’s going to be a fight to get on the board,” Martin said. “If you want something, you have to go out and hunt for it. You have to be able to strike when the opportunity is there. We always say ‘Eat what you kill.’”