As they head toward the end of the season, the varsity boys basketball team defeated the Fossil Ridge Panthers Friday, Jan. 24, at the home game on campus.

The Bearcats won 53-47, and players said it was a hard-fought win.

“We didn’t play the best, didn’t shoot that well, had a bunch of silly turnovers,” sophomore guard Caden Cunningham, #10, said. “It really kept it a close game when it should have been a 15-point win easily.”

Despite the obstacles from the game, the bond that their team formed helped them preserve and ultimately win.

“Our team has all been bonding together,” sophomore guard Josiah Jenkins #12, said. “Coaches have been great, and we treat each other like family. We just have good chemistry and [it] shows on the court, too.”

Regardless of the outcome, basketball coach Alexander Groff said he appreciates getting to see the students play as hard as they can.

“We like to attack fast both, varsity and freshmen,” basketball coach Alexander Groff said. “I think I would coach without teaching and teach without coaching, so I get the best of both worlds. I get to interact with kids every day and do the best I can to help them understand math and really just help them grow as young people.”