As the season begins to wind down, this year’s boys varsity basketball team remains positioned to compete in, and potentially win, a NEPSAC Class B championship.
Throughout the season, the Wyverns have battled in every single game and have put together an impressive resume as they enter the playoffs. Early in the season, the Wyverns rifled off seven straight wins. On top of that, they won the KITs this year, extending their win streak to six straight years, despite a much more competitive field. Standout junior guard D.J. Biggins believed some of the wins picked up at the beginning of the season were the most impressive. “Our game against Hamden Hall showcased the offensive power we know we have,” Biggins said. “We had four players score more than 20 points [each] and we ended up scoring 100 [in total] that game.”
Recently, the Wyverns have battled with some of their most challenging opponents. They handled games against Marianapolis and Greenwich well, beating Marianapolis by nine points and Greenwich by 24. Following that game, the Wyverns unfortunately dropped a tough game to Class A and Founders League opponent Loomis Chaffee. The Wyverns have recently picked up three straight wins defeating Rocky Hill Country Day School, St. Lukes, and Trinity Pawling.
Much of the Wyverns’ success this season has come from their standout upperclassmen. “We have relied on our older guys so much this season,” Head Coach Brad Seaman said. Seaman singled out senior captain guard Justice Hanna, junior forward Stryckland Whitney-Ligon, junior forward Will Parkhouse, and Biggins.
Coach Seaman has been extremely proud of the team’s constant and hard work this season. Although the Wyverns do not have many particularly tall players this year, they make up for what they lack in height with their effort.
Coach Seaman also noted that this is one of the best team atmospheres he has been around during his time at KO. “We have a tremendous amount of team camaraderie,” Coach Seaman said. “Everyone on this team is close with one another and our team chemistry is unmatched, which allows for us to succeed.”
It is also necessary to mention two vital players for the Wyverns this season when talking about the success of the team. Guards sophomore Xavier Hernandez-Newton and junior Tyler Brown have been critical players for the Wyverns this season. “Tyler and Xavier bring energy and hustle off the bench,” Biggins said. “They both always give it their all and are constantly working hard.” Brown had some notably significant performances this season, having his season high in points in the team’s game against Loomis and having double-digit assists in their game against Hamden Hall.
In the Wyvern’s last 2 regular season games they unfortunately fell short to Canterbury on February 26 after Canterbury was hot from 3. However, on the 27th, the Wyverns bounced back with a dominating win over Kent.
As the season ends, the Wyverns hope to make a push for playoffs. They also begin to look to next year, where they return a majority of their players from this past season. The offseason will be key for the Wyverns as they look to improve their individual and team games.
We look forward to seeing the end of this year’s season and also for the Wyverns to get back on the hardwood next year.
