The boys basketball team will play at Plano East on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
Plano East is ranked first in the state, and are undefeated this season. Hebron is currently tied with the Panthers for first place in the district, and the Hawks are on a 14-game win streak. Head coach Eric Reil said consistency is one of the most important things for the team right now, and they need to keep playing hard to win ball games.
“We are at our best when we not only pressure teams, but when we can rebound and push the ball,” Reil said. “The one thing that stands out is how we’re sharing the ball right now. We’re working to share the ball well. Against Flower Mound on Jan. 9, we had six turnovers and 18 assists, which is fantastic. So, if we keep getting our guys to share the ball and believe in each other, we’re gonna do well.”
With the team finding success recently, forward Graham Moore said senior leadership is important to the team’s success, as they feel winning is the most important thing.
“[Winning is] very important,” Moore said. “When it all comes down to it, winning is the most important thing. And when I leave, I want to know that I made a big impact on my team winning. Every time you win, it’s like practice is more fun, more enjoyable and more motivated.”
Throughout the season, Reil mentioned how the coaches have repeatedly emphasized the importance of remaining consistent and hard-working and not becoming complacent.
“Hopefully, [the win streak] gives [the team] encouragement and confidence,” Reil said. “ I think we are playing with confidence, but you also have to be willing to put in the work in practice. Practice now is the most important thing we can do, and that’s where us [as a] coaching staff gotta keep pushing them.”
Senior guard Jalen Haynes said the team knows the challenge that lies ahead of them with Plano East, as they played them earlier this season in a tournament game and lost 70-53.
“I learned a lot from it because it shows me what they do, what their tendencies are and how they all play with each other,” Haynes said. “We have to prepare and preparation needs to be there for everybody. Everyone needs to get up shots; it’s a pretty big game.”
The game will not only have implications in terms of momentum going into the end of the season, but will also have big playoff implications, as the winner could likely take home first place in district.
“Overall, our goal is to go 8-0, or 7-0 through the first round of districts,” Reil said. “If we can go 2-1 and be 6-1 through the first round of districts, we put ourselves in a great position. We have to keep playing with confidence, playing as hard as we play and take it one game at a time. If we do that, we can stay in that mindset, and [then] we’re going to get to the playoffs.”
