As the 2023-2024 season continues, this year’s boys varsity basketball team has begun to hit their stride and fire on all cylinders. The Wyverns are ready to push for a Founders League ring as well as a top seed in the NEPSAC Class B divisional tournament.
Following another first-place finish in the KITs, the Wyverns have been able to build off this success, and are currently sitting with a record of 10-3. Over KO’s past six games, they have won five including a double-digit win against Founders League opponent Taft on Monday, Jan. 8. On Friday, Jan. 19, they traveled to Simsbury to take on another Founders League opponent, Westminster.
This game was a thriller. KO was able to pull off an overtime win due to a buzzer-beater by junior forward Stryckland Ligon. “It was a phenomenal game,” senior center Chuck Hare said. “The environment was tough, but thanks to our hard work and Ligon’s big shot, we were able to come away with a win.”
KO’s success this season is due to many factors; however, one of those major factors is their strong and improved guard play from last year. Headlined by senior guard Rhandyn Bair and sophomore guard DJ Biggins, these two have dominated the backcourt this season. Along with Bair and Biggins, KO has strong shooters in sophomore guard Declan Griffiths as well as junior guard Justice Hanna.
Biggins has been impressive so far this season in his scoring ability but also in the leadership that he has displayed as a sophomore. “I think it’s important to lead by example,” Biggins said. “In order for us to be successful as a team, we all need to lead by example and continue to strive for excellence.” This mindset and continued practice on and off the court have allowed Biggins to average 20 points per game so far this season.
As the season progresses, the Wyverns keep the end goal in their head at all times. However, they have made sure to take it game by game this season, not worrying about the future but staying focused on the task at hand.
KO finishes the season with big Founders and Class B league games at the end of the season. On Friday, Jan. 26 the team faced off against a tough opponent in Choate Rosemary Hall. Despite lots of energy from the fans in Hewett, the team fell short with a final score of 71-54.
Following this loss, the team is looking forward to their tough schedule ahead including a home game against Loomis on Feb. 7. “We are prepared and ready to win these upcoming games,” Head Coach Brad Seaman said. “I feel that our players are definitely ready for the challenge this year.”
KO’s coaching staff and players are confident that they can compete for a New England championship. If KO continues what they have been doing this season, they have no limits as a team, and anything they want to accomplish can be accomplished. Make sure to support our Wyverns down the stretch as this team has what it takes to win it all.
