The Asbury men’s basketball team has been grinding since the first day of school. And unless there is a major spike in COVID-19 cases, it appears the season will at least begin as planned.
“After coming off not the best season last year as well as not knowing how or if the season will be completed, it’s been a motivation for all of us to give 100% effort at all times because we have something to prove and we truly don’t know when it could be our last game,” said senior Siah Holifield.
Last season, the team went 10-18.
“We graduated about seven seniors with four of them being starters,” Holifield. “We had trouble having everyone stepping into new and bigger roles for the majority of last season. The lack of experience hurt a lot in the beginning of the year. We also didn’t have the best chemistry. This year the upperclassmen are making sure that we all gel together on and off the court early so that we don’t have that issue anymore and with returning most of our experience, we should have a much better year.”
For last year’s Newcomer of the Year recipient, senior Leander Ridgeway has his eyes set on big goals.
“I have treated this season like any other,” said Ridgeway. “I prepared for this season as if there is no COVID. [I’m] just continuing to remind the guys on the team that we are working to win a championship and getting better. That’s the motivating factor that is keeping all of us going.”
Although COVID-19 has caused a number of adjustments to everyday life, the team hopes that it changes Asbury athletics for the better.
“Since we are all stuck at school this year, hopefully, that means that we all make sure to show our support for every team and make the home atmospheres better than they have been before,” said Holifield.
The men’s basketball season opener is scheduled for Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. against Andrews University.
