As the referee blows the whistle, the players move to the sidelines and shake out their limbs — as well as their nerves. In the next few seconds, they’ll be starting their first varsity basketball season. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime, but for now, all that matters are the next four quarters.

DGS basketball is facing a new challenge this year: the starting lineup is predominantly composed of juniors. Head Coach Kristopher Olson explained that the biggest obstacle they face is the lack of experience that comes with a young team.

“I think the biggest challenge is what we are doing right now. The only way you can get experience is in games. It’s actually been tough games, but every game is close. … With our tough schedule, I didn’t think the games would be as close as we’ve made them,” Olson said.

Last year, the varsity team was composed largely of seniors. With few returning varsity-level players, the team lacks game experience at this higher level of intensity.

Returning varsity athlete junior Jake Dimovski believes the team will continue to improve as the season progresses.

“Last year, we were senior-dominated. This year, we are junior-dominated. The lack of experience [is our team’s biggest challenge], because varsity is a lot different from the sophomore level. … Once the team learns the pace of the game, we should be fine,” Dimovski said.

Playing varsity-level basketball for the first time is a big change coming from the sophomore team. A key difference is that varsity-level gameplay comes with older and stronger players as well as increased game speed. The team has spent the first few games of the season adjusting to this new atmosphere.

Junior Angelo Ognianov shared the biggest change between playing on sophomore last season and varsity this season.

“It’s a lot more intense and faster — the game just moves quicker. The other players are a lot better, and it’s just harder to win,” Ognianov said.

The young team has given opportunities to seniors such as Christopher Gory to step up as leaders this year. Gory feels that the bond they have created as a team will help them throughout the season.

“I feel that our team has more chemistry this year than last year. Last year, we had a lot of talented individuals, but this year once we learn how to win, will we become more of a team,” Gory said.

The Mustangs have a lot of potential, not only for the rest of the season but for the 2020-2021 season as well. As the team continues to gain experience and work together, the boys will strive for a successful season on the court.

“I think that the stretch we are going through right now is going to [have a huge impact on the team], if not this week but in January and February when we’ll be playing our best basketball,” Olson said.