Basketball Tryouts

Sam Castro

The anxiety passed through every boy’s body as they woke up. Everyone knew that it was the day to show their best basketball skills to join the men’s varsity basketball team, but all nerves were on the edge. Because of the anticipation, the school day couldn’t have felt longer; then the time finally came, at 3:10 the bell rang, and instantly people were mentally preparing for the coming event of tryouts.

As soon as all the boys walked into the gym, one distinction from last year was noticeable: the coaches were completely new to their position. Coach Hoffmeyer and Coach Lee were named the new coaches of the team. Both coaches from last year moved away the same year, leaving the team with nothing until Mr. Hoffmeyer came to the team’s aid when it was most needed. Everyone who just walked in noticed that the format was different than it usually was from the previous coaches. Cones were set up everywhere in positions that no one recognized. The boys were told to show their skill in basketball handles and smooth moving with the ball, while maintaining their posture. Countless drills were done to test the ability of each player.

At the end of the day, all the boys’ energy was completely drained. One of the boys, Wansuk Kunawaradisai (11), said, “I was so tired, my muscles could barely handle the pain.”

Coach Hoffmeyer told the group they were done with day 1 of tryouts, but to prepare ourselves for day 2, which was all playing ball. The second day of tryouts, the group of ball-hungry boys walked onto the court once again. Mr. Hoffmeyer separated the boys into teams to play with for the rest of the day. 3x3 competitions were played, as well as full court 5x5. The group of boys played their hearts out, each one of them desperate for a spot on the team. Sweat drops and bodies hit the floor as the second day of tryouts finished, and Coach Hoffmeyer told everyone the roster would be coming out within a day.

Anxiously, the boys waited all night and halfway through the following school day to know who made the team. All the boys who made it are eager to start a new season and to show the world what they’ve got. The men’s varsity basketball team will play their hearts out this year to represent Dalat and God and by being the best team they can be on the court.