Wildcats poised for end of season surge

The season for the boys basketball has been a lot like that of the Phoenix Suns: a ton of promise but lacking results at times.

While the season hasn’t gone quite the best in terms of wins and losses, Head Coach Adam Jones knows his team is starting to turn a corner.

“(We) have been playing a lot better basketball then we did over Christmas, and so I feel like we are going in the right direction and our kids believe we are going in the right direction,” Jones said.

That was evident on Tuesday night when the Cats routed conference opponent Park Hill by 20 at home. The upbeat atmosphere in the gym contributed, with Glitter Girls honoring their seniors and the pep band playing to a full house. Jones also cited his team’s practice habits for their sudden increase in being in close games.

“Our kids are working there tails off and we are going the right way,” Jones said.

With district brackets soon to be released (Class 5 District 14), Jones noted that the Cat’s confidence will be a key factor when it comes to the postseason.

“They are learning that they can play and that they can compete,” Jones said.

With several underclassman breaking into the starting lineup, Jones relies on upperclassmen, like junior Cooper Willich, to help teach the younger players what to do.

“Cooper is doing everything right for us. He is a leader; he did all that for the football team, and he is doing that for us on the floor and is just showing everybody the right way,” Jones said.

According to Willich, these leadership positions have helped him improve in many aspects of his life.

“It’s helped me because I have been able to grow up more and mature and learn key things,” Willich said.

For Willich, developing mental toughness and facing challenges head on has been a staple of this team.

“(When dealing with issues) we stay focused get past those roadblocks and start winning,” Willich said.

The boys will play host to Lee’s Summit West tonight in a rescheduled conference match up.