The 2024-2025 boys varsity basketball season is starting to take motion. The boys are ecstatic for this upcoming season, especially that sectionals will be hosted here at DGS in the early spring.
Senior assistant coach Gavenson Bayer spoke about what they are expecting from this year’s group of boys.
“I’m expecting us to be really good on offense and our defense. We’re good at being aggressive and we are a fast paced team, so just to get a lot of turning the ball, going forward up and down the courts. We just have so much speed,” Bayer said.
Part of this year’s offense is a transfer student from rival school, Hinsdale South. Junior Adam Flowers has been a “key” addition to the squad on offense, but also defense.
“He is pretty big, he’s like six three and can shoot the ball. He could get inside easily, he has gotten most of our points in the last four games. We’re excited to see what he can do but we want him on a defensive end too, with his long length it gives us more depth,” Bayer said.
Another strong addition to this year’s team is senior Wyatt Wawro who took a break from basketball last year to focus on his commitment process to the NIU baseball team. In his sophomore year, after dropping a 30 point game he was moved up to the varsity level.
“I know that after taking a year off the most important part is making an impact on the team as a leader and a player within the first couple weeks. We have to be together as a team and understand each other’s roles and goals to be successful,” Wawro said.
Another big role of this year’s team is second time varsity player senior Andrew Waterman. Waterman has been a part of the basketball program since his freshman year, this year he hopes to leave it all out on the court to bring his team to winning regionals.
“Last year we were definitely expecting to win the first round of playoffs but we didn’t. This year all we want is to make it through. We for sure have the team for it, we just have to execute it and so hopefully bring home regionals,” Waterman said.
They have been working hard so far this season, with summer basketball, preseason workouts, preseason practices and six day practices day and night; they are hoping to put on a show for the fans to watch.
“This basketball team works six days a week for two and a half, usually Coach Miller likes to go three hours… We work hard to put on shows for you all in the stands, so we would love it if everyone comes to support us,” Bayer said.
The big rivalry games this year are set to be played on Dec. 21 against Downers Grove North at home at 6 p.m. Then one month later on Jan. 21 they will play against Hinsdale South at home at 6:30 p.m.
With a lot on the line for this season, with rival games at home, as well as aiming for the regional title. The boys are focussing on putting as much effort as they possibly can to not cut their season short like they have for the past 13 years.
“The big team goal for this year is to definitely get our coaches first playoff win and of course win regionals. I want everyone to play as hard as they can every single time they are on the court, and don’t take it for granted, cause it could be over soon,” Waterman said.
