To keep a positive attitude, players on the boys basketball team continuously cheer each other on and encourage one another both on and off the court.
For Coach Okoteh Sackitey, a new mantra, “unity over self”, has really come into effect for the team this year, as players have continued to become closer as a team.
“You need to sacrifice for the thing that is bigger than you and the team is bigger than any individual,” Sackitey said.
According to Sackitey, the team has taken that mantra and shown it with their actions.
“People have risen to the occasion and shown and practiced being selfless,” Sackitey said.
For team captain Trey Bui, he feels he “has a role” to keep the locker room “attitude positive,” which is important for communication.
“Communication is the most important, making sure we are continuously talking and filling in the gaps mentally,” Bui said.
According to Bui, his teammates encourage each other to do the best they can for every game.
“My teammates are always there to pick me up,” Bui said.
For Sackitey, it is clear that the players are good friends and will always be supportive of each other.
“You know you have a friend you can talk to and someone who is going to be supportive of you,” Sackitey said.
According to Sackitey, keeping players grateful is a key point in practice and games.
“It is nice to practice gratitude and be thankful for your teammates doing good things,” Sackitey said.
For Bui, he likes motivating his fellow players before games so they can all achieve their shared goal of a win.
“I do have a special time after the national anthem before the game where I get my own [time] to spill some wisdom or encouragement to the team,” Bui said.
According to Sackitey, teaching a “next play mindset” helps to keep players motivated during a game.
“I try to encourage them to have a next-play mindset. Don not worry about the past and focus on what is in front of you,” Sackitey said.
Sackitey said keeping the team uplifted is important for good gameplay.
“I acknowledge the good things that we do and focus on what is working and try to do more of that,” Sackitey said.
For team captain Chanse Salone, the next-play mindset helps to keep him encouraged for the next games.
“Even if we lost the game I can not do anything about it. You just have to focus on the next one,” Salone said.d
According to Salone, the players all really enjoy each other and love playing together.
“There is so [many] good vibes on our team and we all love playing with each other,” Salone said.
According to sophomore Evan Eraydin, during the season he learns from both wins and losses.
“[I just always try my hardest] whether it is a win or a loss, trying to learn from it,” Eraydin said.
For Eraydin, he is proud of the good communication skills that his teammates and he exhibit.
“We take pride in [our communication] and it is one of the reasons we win games,” Eraydin said.