Last year the BBCHS boys basketball team had a rough year ending their season with a record of 7 wins and 19 losses but they ended the 2017-18 year strongly with win in the regional play-in game. Unfortunately, their season ended with a loss in their next regional game. The team hopes to improve with returning juniors Jason Hartsfield and All-Conference point guard Gabe Renchen. They are also welcoming transfer, Linell Jefferson.

Jefferson, a junior from Bishop McNamara High School had a very good season last year between playing on JV and the Varsity level for Bishop McNamara. Jefferson is excited about being a part of BBCHS’ program, mentioning that he loved the fact that the coaches take pride in creating a family atmosphere and making sure the team is unified as one. Linell Jefferson brought not only talent to the court for Bishop Mac but also great leadership; he plans on doing the same at BBCHS. “This team will get a great teammate and a vocal leader who is looking to make the team better and push my teammates everyday.”

The boys basketball team is also getting back veteran presence in junior Jason Hartsfield. Hartsfield shot a great percentage from long range last year and he hopes to continue that into this season and also add on the skill of shooting off the dribble. Hartsfield was disappointed in the wins and losses the basketball team put up but showed optimism about the new season, “Basketball is a long season; we need to focus on doing the little things like boxing out and taking care of the ball well.” Hartsfield is not just trying to improve on the court but make a impact to the team as a leader, “Holding guys accountable and making sure we are doing things right. My coaches have always told me that this isn’t their team, that it’s ours and we have to be responsible for that.”

 The boys basketball team began their season at the annual Turkey Tourney at Olivet Nazarene University and recently picked up their first conference victory over Thornridge. Players like All-Conference point guard Gabe Renchen and veteran leader Jason Hartsfield look to create a winning identity with the help of transfer Linell Jefferson. Hartsfield predicted the team’s season in one word: “scary.”