Internationally, many everyday activities have been altered due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grocery shopping, education, and many occupations have been adjusted to fit an online agenda. However, sports are virtually impossible to convert to an online setting. This year, the Barstow winter sports teams have been able to participate in their sport (with adjustments, of course). A player on the varsity boys basketball team has updated me on how the first half of their season has gone.

The team is 6-9 right now, and Connor Arment ‘21, the team’s veteran and oldest member, had an honest conversation with me regarding the setbacks the team faced even before the season started. “We were unable to have a preseason, so that definitely set us back from where we have been in the past years. We usually spend that time learning our offensive plays and teaching the younger guys what we do defensively. We had to spend the first half of the season teaching everybody that.”

Even through a disheartening few losses, Connor has kept his hopes high and looks proudly at his personal goals for the remainder of the season. “My goal right now is to win districts. I haven’t won a single district game in three years, so hopefully that changes.”

Connor has paid his dues to the team and been an essential player for the past three years he’s been on varsity. Aside from his personal goals and accomplishments, he feels that the strength of the team lies in “how deep [they] are.” He says, “On average, we play close to ten guys per game. That gives us the advantage of guys being able to get rest and be ready to play.” 

This year’s varsity team is a very promising group of young men. Without all the restrictions they have and further preparation, they absolutely have the potential to make districts and possibly even further. For this year’s season, hopefully they can keep the same willpower and drive alive on and off the court. Good luck with the rest of your season, boys!