Our school’s boys varsity basketball team is on a hot streak. The energy is flowing through the school as we continue to rack up wins. The starting five: Seniors Jack Rubin, Austin Barbieri, Brennan Pilot, Nick Senkus and Junior Jake Coulam have been on a roll.
With four starting seniors there is a lot of leadership. Their role as older players helps to lead the team to success. It’s important for new players to have responsible role models to look up too.
“The younger guys always look up to all the seniors to take them under their wing… so we help push them to be the best they can be,” Senior Brennan Pilot said.
On January 16, the boys went to Herndon High School to take on the Hornets, securing our 12th win. According to MaxPreps Liberty District 2 rankings, Yorktown currently stands at 1st place. There is hope to succeed this year, with our school’s record being significantly better than last winter. At the end of the 2023-2024 winter season, the team had a record of 14 wins and 13 loses. With an astounding 15 wins already this season, things are looking up for the boys.
This year’s success isn’t luck, however, as Senior Austin Barbieri feels that the team’s community has the biggest impact on performance.
“My teammates are all guys that I have the utmost trust in,” Barbieri said.
This trust allows the players to work hard and take risks, knowing their teammates have their back. Positive energy purely formed from trust and bonds within the team promotes success.
On January 21, we took on our biggest rivals, Washington and Liberty High School (W-L). Playing W-L is always a competition, whether that’s in football, hockey, or basketball. Our school had a triumphant win, securing their 11th consecutive win. The rivalry doesn’t end there, however, as the boys are going to W-L for their second face off of the season on February 13.
Before then, we have one more game. Our school hopes for a successful rest of the season as we continue to show up. Both Pilot and Barbieri hope to make it far for their last season. Being a senior is bittersweet, as they have many memories behind them with only a few games ahead.
“I will give it my all, because at the end of the day this is my last go at high school basketball,” Austin Barbieri said.
Their senior season isn’t over yet, though. Games continue as our boys take on the Mclean Highlanders at home on February 7. Per usual Yorktown students will pack the stands, giving our school’s team an environment to thrive in.
