By MOTAZ DEIFY
The Cougars are looking forward to picking up the pieces after falling to Urbana in the region quarterfinals last season.
Since the start of the season on November 15, the team has been working hard to stay consistent with how everyday is approached make sure to get better. The team also wants to “stay emotionally positive and keep our heads up when we’re down,” says junior Gavin Haroon.
On December 5, the Cougars set the stage with a 54-40 win against Damascus—who made an appearance in the state championship last year. Players who contributed to the win include senior Christian While, and juniors Josiah Teasley and Kevin Bukula. During the game, Teasley scored 18 points and made 8 rebounds, while Bukula scored 15 points, and made 3 steals and 3 assists.
Head coach Mac Minturn, who coached basketball for 11 years, believed the team “played well defensively” against Damascus, but claims there is some room for improvement from there.
Since last season, a historic turning point, Minturn has coached the QO team after former math teacher Paul Foringer stepped down from his coaching position of over 30 years. This season, Minturn has “brought everybody together,” Haroon said. “Going into this year we all know each other and the chemistry is a lot better.”
While describes last year’s team as “a young team [because] we only had three seniors.” Since many players are returning from last year, he believes the bond between teammates is getting stronger and “everything is kind of falling into place right where we want it to be,” he said.
The team chemistry has definitely reflected on the performances of those athletes on the court, such as “being on the same page, communicating through screens, knowing where to be on offense and knowing each other’s roles,” said While.
Hunting for more triumph as such, the boys hosted Blake in their Friday night home opener on December 8. However, they fell short to them 75-68, but were able to bounce back with a win against Poolesville, 65-51, the following game.
Due to COVID, a few players were forced to sit out in the QO v. Springbrook game played on December 13, but were still able to manage through difficult circumstances.
With a 2-3 record as of December 18, this is the beginning as they seek to advance far into the post-season.
December 2023
The Prowler 