The varsity basketball season began this week, and the team already has two games under its belt: an 83-74 loss to San Antonio Antonian and a thrilling 78-70 overtime win over San Antonio Stevens.

For head coach Ike Thornton, the main obstacle this season will be replacing Sean Bolds, whose 15.8 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per game both led the team. 

“Austin Kenwisher (27 points per game this season), Owen Woodard (14 PPG) and Devante Mount (22.5 PPG) are capable of picking up the scoring void, while Michael Cruz and Caleb Mosley will pick up the rebounding slack,” Thornton said.

Players like Kenwisher and Mount will have to step up to secure key wins against teams like Steele, New Braunfels, and Judson in a tough district. 

“Once again, District 26-6A will be tough from top to bottom. Every night will be a challenge, as all teams in the district are improved,” Thornton said.

But the Rangers also have plenty of strengths, which could give them the edge in a tough district.

“Our biggest strength this year is our cohesiveness,” Thornton said. “We have more guys brought in to how we want to play… [including leaders like] Caleb Mosley, Michael Cruz, Sean Arington, Armel Talla, and Austin Kenwisher.”

Thornton, who is in his fifth year at the school, isn’t content with where the team is at the moment. But, he says, it’s a start.

“We will need to improve our block outs and rebounding along with our pace of play,” Thornton said. “We want to play faster since we have more undersized players.” 

To rise to this challenge, the coaching staff has added a new face: Dylan Lieck, who figures to have a big impact on the way the team plays.

“[Lieck] is an up-and-coming, outstanding coach,” Thornton said of his new assistant. “Players on all levels have welcomed him with open arms, and have adjusted to his coaching style.” 

With new coaches and challenges to overcome, this season will prove to be an interesting one to see how our strengths and weaknesses interact and if it will let us succeed.