Last year, you probably heard about the high school’s boys basketball team. You may have even attended one of their games. Last season, the Rangers made history in the school with one of their most decorated seasons posting a 21-4 record, winning the League Title, District Title, and the Clark Tournament. This year, the boys varsity basketball team is back–building on last year’s memorable season.

This season is going to be a big season for the team; with a tough schedule, every game will be challenging and the team will need to consistently play their best possible basketball. Coach Willar is returning as head coach for his tenth season. He recently received Coach of the Year for Central Mass Division 2.

Last year’s starting lineup consisted of all seniors, but the bench contributed significantly and the depth aided the team. Returning from last year are senior guards and captains Jackson Katz and Luke Lentine, senior forward and captain Alex Badger and junior Ethan Steinberg, and senior centers Evan Burlile and Nate Wright.

New senior additions Vinayaka Desai and Basim Hussain will also add to the team. Juniors Iweka Iweka, Sam Delgado, Ryan Silverberg, and Soham Gangopadhyay, and as sophomore Tabish Hussain round out the defensive-minded roster. The team has high hopes for this year, including returning to the Clark Tournament and winning it, winning the league title, and going back to the Districts, and reaching the state finals.

Last season, Badger managed to score over 100 points off the bench, and Katz and Lentine helped out the team on defense and scoring. They are expecting to do the same this season, but also will look to their bench can get minutes and support them when needed.

Badger comments, “We’re just trying to grow together as a team and reach our full potential. The accolades and success will come with us becoming the best we can be.“

This season, the Rangers will have another tough schedule. As a team in the Midland Wachusett B League, they are required to play teams in the Midland Wachusett A League including Algonquin, Wachusett, and Shrewsbury, who are all strong teams with talented players.

Coach Willar shares, “The hardest team we will play is the next game on the schedule, every opponent presents a different challenge. We focus on one game and one play at a time.”

Additionally, the Rangers will have to take on teams in their league, including a tough Nashoba team and their rivals, Groton-Dunstable, who they won three close games against last season. The team will face a lot of tough teams this season, but with endless amounts of effort and hard work, the Rangers can compete against any team.

The next Rangers home game is Friday, January 3 against Marlborough at 7:00 p.m. Check out their schedule by going to the athletics website or contact Varsity Manager Matthew Willar via school email: [email protected]