This year, three senior players, Jordan Bramlett, Rylan Gomez and Drew Hottinger, hold the title of LHS men’s varsity basketball team captains. Along with that, they are the only seniors on the team. Their main role as captains is to lead the younger players.
“This year we have a pretty young team, and I think the younger guys look up to us older guys for advice and guidance,” Hottinger said.
Bramlett credits his love for basketball to his family.
“My dad and grandpa got me into it at a young age, and I just kept playing after that,” he said.
He expressed that basketball taught him about the highs and lows of life.
“You’ve gotta lose to win and all that,” he said.
Bramlett believes the team’s relationships are what allow them to work so well together.
“Everyone is really close, and we know each other’s play styles,” he said.
Gomez has been playing basketball since he was a child,
“When I was a little kid, I wanted to do something other than football,” he said.
Gomez explained that playing basketball makes him happy.
“I enjoy my time playing with others,” he shared.
For Gomez, diligence on the court makes the team what it is.
“The way we play hard and the way we move is what allows us to be so great,” Gomez said.
Hottinger has also played basketball his whole life.
“My parents played basketball, and they definitely pushed or encouraged me to play,” he said.
Basketball has taught him the importance of a good work ethic, he added.
“I’ve learned to work hard and stay on task. [. . .] When the game comes, I know how to work through [things],” Hottinger said.
He enjoys the way his team can joke and make fun of each other off the court, while still being able to come together on the court.
To prepare for Golden Throne, the LHS men’s team has been taking it one game at a time.
“We practice hard every day,” Bramlett said. “When it comes to Golden Throne week we prepare and practice hard, and that’s how we win games.