By LILY WICHERT

The Bellefonte boys varsity basketball team notched their third consecutive win on Friday, December 14 against the Philipsburg-Osceola Mountaineers with a 54-30 win. The Raiders won both of their games prior to this, securing a 64-49 win against Central Mountain, and a 50-43 win against Tyrone.

Each member of the team is working hard to continue their winning streak as long possible throughout the season, and ensure their skills are on tact before each game. The boys practice nearly every day throughout the week, and strategize together to make the season successful.  

Team captains Bailey Decker and Caleb Rockey both prove to be key members of the team and serve as the leaders throughout the season. Both Bailey and Caleb are seniors this school year, and look forward to being a part of the so-far successful season.

As team captains, Bailey and Caleb are responsible for guiding the team through practices, including warm-ups and drills that will install the necessary game skills into each player.

This year, Bailey believes “the team bondings before and after games” is a crucial factor to the team’s game performance. Without strong relationships within the members, the team would be unable to be as insync on the court.

“We are looking to win,” Bailey said.

Caleb also looks forward to the relationships built among the team during the season. Caleb explains that he enjoys “building upon the chemistry we have already established,” and winning more games throughout the season.

“Our only goal is to play as hard as we can, and do everything with precision,” Caleb said. “We take it one day at a time.”

Junior Trae Bauman feels that the after school practices develop skills that are valuable during a game.

“We play a lot during practices,” Trae said.

Trae explains that the team’s practices usually consist of “running through plays and doing some shooting.”

Junior Ben McCartney enjoys being apart of the goals his team is able to accomplish. Ben also recognizes both the hard work and the room for improvement needed to reach the team’s goals

Ben believes that the team can work harder to “keep a better composure when calls don’t go as planned,” and stay in touch with the rest of the team throughout any other difficulties in the game.

“I am looking forward to playing hard with my teammates, and giving it all for my seniors,” Ben said.

As of press time, the Red Raiders will prepare to take on the Central Dragons during their next game on Tuesday, December 18 in the Bellefonte Area High School gymnasium. The members of the basketball team hope to keep their strong momentum throughout the season, and maintain the team skills and relationships that have already been formed.