Coming off a strong (albeit abbreviated) 2020-2021 winter season, the Fords basketball team is looking to hit the ground running. Last year, the team played only Inter-Ac teams, finishing with an 8-2 record. Had there been an Inter-Ac Championship, the team would have won it. This year, Assistant Coach Mr. Jeremy Hart knows the team has the work ethic, grit, and passion to be at the top.
“Playing hard has become a skill in high school sports, and we’ve got some great grinders out there.”
Mr. Jeremy Hart, BASKETBALL ASSISTANT COACH
“I have been really proud to watch our guys go out and compete so far this season despite not being the tallest or biggest team,” Coach Hart said. “Playing hard has become a skill in high school sports, and we’ve got some great grinders out there.”
With a mix of old blood and new talent, the team fields a deep roster. Sixth Former David Kearney was crucial to the team’s win in their first game, beginning the season with an immense 20 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, three steals, and two assists against Friends Central. His twin brother, Sixth Former Matthew Kearney, wins games and makes plays through his defense and rebounding. Meanwhile, others are beginning to get varsity minutes for the first time. Fifth Former Carson Mastin is poised for a breakout season. The team is clearly talented and filled with potential playmakers, but how they all come together will determine the team’s success.
“Without a doubt, for us to be successful, everybody will have to play within themselves and own their roles,” Coach Hart said. “We absolutely have the talent to compete at a high level, but need to value every possession in a game.”
“I think we have good chemistry,” Sixth Former Ryan Rogers said. “The more you play, the more trust you have in your teammates. You know their strengths, and with that, try to put them in the best possible position to thrive on the court.”
The team will continue Coach Roger’s philosophy of playing fast on offense, sharing the ball, and getting teammates open shots.
This year, the Inter-Ac incorporated a shot clock, providing the team with novel strategies. The team will continue Coach Roger’s philosophy of playing fast on offense, sharing the ball, and getting teammates open shots. On defense, the shot clock will act as a sixth defender for the Fords, and by pressing in certain situations, the Fords will cut down the other team’s time to operate.
Throughout December, the team will face a challenging out-of-conference schedule in preparation for Inter-Ac season in January. Among the teams they will face include Roman Catholic, Cardinal O’Hara, Monsignor Bonner, and an assortment of boarding schools.
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