Boys Basketball Preview

By: Ella Fowler, Kelsey Bruzek, Tyler Elzholz, and Jaiden Basinger

November 17, 2020

Coming off a 4-18 record, the boys’ basketball team is looking to bounce back this year as they begin their 2020-2021 season.

The coaching staff this year includes Mr. Jerrod Karl, who is returning for his fourth year as the head coach of the varsity team. Alongside Coach Karl is Mr. Matthew Mesuga, who is returning as the head junior varsity coach and assistant varsity coach.  

With a lot of returning players and a little momentum from the end of last season, Coach Karl has high hopes for this upcoming season. 

“We are looking to build off our two-game win streak that ended last season by continuing to play with intensity and that chip on our shoulder,” stated Karl. “Practices to begin the year have been very competitive, and there is an attitude present in the gym that has been absent over the past few years.”

He added, “I believe one of our strengths this year is going to be our athleticism and length. We plan on using this to our advantage in our press and half court defense. Our hope is that this will create a lot of turnovers and fast break points. Biggest thing we need to focus on right now is getting into basketball shape to be able to run a press and intense half court defense for all 32 minutes.”

The varsity team consists of three seniors, seven juniors, and one sophomore, and the majority of the team has varsity experience.  Two of these seniors, Ryan Cutright and Stephen Chhan, have high hopes for this season and are looking to keep the positive, preseason vibes alive.   

Cutright, a returning role player, stated, “I am looking forward to getting back on the court and playing the sport I love most. I am optimistic about trying to have fun this year as a senior and try to win as many games as possible.” 

Chhan, also a returning role player, added that he’s looking forward to the victories and memories this season.

“Our strengths are going to be our energy; I can enhance it by always keeping a high intensity.”

The first look at this year’s squad will take place on December 4 at Cuyahoga Heights High School for the season opener against the Redskins. 

With optimism that the season will go on during this pandemic, the Hurricane family hopes for a healthy, successful, and memorable 2020-2021 campaign. 

Go Canes!