design & photos: Nathan Chow
The boys basketball team started off running, and they are still picking up speed. Led by Head Coach Anthony Calo, the boys are currently sitting at a 12-2 record, with a 4-2 record in the conference. They are currently ranked second in the Columbus area, and seventh in the state, according MaxPreps.
The team has seen some changes that teams from past years have not had. Multiple players this year are going to continue their basketball career after the end of their high school season.
“We have a few senior players who will be playing scholarship basketball next year. We have not had that in the past,” Calo said.
These players have made an impact on how far the team is going this year. According to Calo, senior Elias Lewis has been averaging 18.2 p.p.g (points per game), and senior Jordan Edwards has been averaging 11.4 p.p.g. But one player, senior Mikey McCollum, was averaging 18 p.p.g, before sustaining an injury.
“McCollum went out with a significant hip injury and was out for about six weeks. We had to adapt to our new lineup, but it was easy for us because we are so connected,” senior Nick Chapman said.
McCollum being out ended up being one of the biggest challenges that the team faced this season. But even with him out, the team managed to push through and keep winning games.
“One of the biggest challenges we have had this year is that Mikey McCollum has sat out a lot of the season, and he is one of our best players,” Edwards said. “At first, it was difficult to play without him because other guys had to step up, but they eventually did step up. We started to play good team basketball, which helped us win a lot of games.”
With McCollum back from his injury, the team has finally returned to its full strength. With this team there are lots of hopes and goals for how far it wants to make it this year.
“I believe this team has the ability to make it further than anybody has ever seen Orange make it. That will be achieved after winning the first ever district championship for our school, but I believe that is not our limit,” senior Will Butler said.
As well as this, Edwards said that the team can make a run all the way to the state championship. And while these goals are not easy to accomplish, they may not be too far out of reach.
The team has taken big wins against teams in the conference, such as a 71-40 win against Hilliard Davidson on Jan. 20, and a 54-41 win against Upper Arlington on Dec. 16. The team’s only losses have come against Hilliard Bradley and Olentangy Liberty, both being conference matchups.
But even with a well-rounded team, it is important that the chemistry between players and coaches is great. And this year, the chemistry is better than it ever has been.
“The team chemistry this year is like none I have ever experienced. This team hangs out outside of the court. Everyone protects each other and has each other’s backs because we aren’t just friends while playing basketball,” Butler said.
The team’s last regular season game is on Feb. 17 against district rivals Liberty. After this, the team will push to make their tournament goals come true.
