The varsity boys basketball team played Odessa Jan. 21 and won 53 to 52. Sophomore Timothy O’Hare, number four point-guard, scored seven points. Senior Brandon Jones, number ten forward, scored 11 points, sophomore Zachary Taylor, number 11 guard, scored three points. Senior Marc Day, number 31 forward, scored 12 points. Ethan Sticken, number 50 center, scored 20 points.

  Coach Thomason, who coaches the JV team, believes that the boys played well and the crowd kept them in the game. Their strengths consist of positive attitudes and their good work ethic, but one of their main problems is their inexperience and mental mistakes.

  Coach Thomason believes that they haven’t met their expectations so far, but with the boys working as hard as they do, he thinks that they can reach it.

  "This team could win at district championship if they perform well. Obviously, the ultimate goal is to make the state play-offs," said Coach Thomason.

  The JV, varsity and freshman teams all practice together six days a week, unless they have a game. The coaches have their teams compete together so that the boys are prepared for some intense game situations, improve on defense, and work on the fundamentals of the game.

  "We compete every night so that the boys do a good job at representing Oak Grove," said varsity Coach Girdner.

  "Our record is nine and five, and I think that is very good with the team we have this year. I’m very proud of what they have accomplished," said freshman Coach Lay.

  Though the coaches all have their teams practicing and working on skills, they still believe that the boys always have something that they need to improve on.

  Coaches Girdner, Thomason, and Lay all think that the boys this year can reach the ultimate goals both as a team and as individuals.