The ending to the Athens Drive Varsity Boys basketball season proved to be a physical, emotional, and impactful experience for players and coaches. Gathered from personal observations, interviews, and knowledge, as the team approached the season’s end they turned their eyes on such a transpiring season’s end, focusing attention on achievement and growth. The season brings teamwork, competition, progress, durability, and involvement of the players and coaches as they end the season. It’s a progressive overload of countless events expressed by the high challenges and the lows of loss.
“The season wasn’t the result that we wanted because our team was inexperienced compared to last year,” said Derrick Crumpton, power forward.
The varsity men’s season was ultimately rough and because of the lack of experience and leadership on the court. There are a lot of things the team needs to work on such as their teamwork and durability. This basketball season the Jags finished last in the conference with a record of 1-9. Early in the season, the Jags were 4- 4. There was a lot of missed opportunity and that is where the Jags were the most deficient.
“We could say a lot of things as the reason why we lost, but as a team, we know why we lost,” said Chase Hardy, point guard.
Several times the Jaguars were close to winning the game; however, the players needed help converting later in the game. Top performers Marcus Green and Oliver Wilson ranked within the top three of the statistical category in the conference. Athens Drive’s lead players were Derek Crumpton with an average of 13.9 points per game, Hardy with an average of 10.8 points per game, and Green with an average of 8.1 points per game. Overall the team ended the season 5-20, inning three home games and losing six. They won two away games and lost 12 and also ended this season with a 10-loss streak.

The players and coaches as a whole were able to grasp the team’s ups and downs this season and understand where they lacked in a specific area.
“Playing more and experiencing the struggle we went through this year, made me initially better,” said Marcus Green, sophomore varsity player.
Achieving accomplishments within the basketball team is a huge accomplishment in the lives of the athletes and coaches.
“I feel like the guys fought hard and worked to the best of their abilities, might not have been the outcome they wanted, but it gave us something to build off of, for next season,” said Kirby Starr assistant coach.
Pushing the players to want to be better and show their highest elevation is a big priority within a team. The dedication and hard work can drive them to a higher level of victory.

The coach’s perspective is an important part of a team because they are initially putting the team together based on what they think is best. The coach’s ability to nurture and shape character in these players is impactful and important.
“Coach Davis has a lot of trust in me and I value that,” said Dreveyn Pope, varsity basketball player.
Mentorship, guidance, and instilling discipline in the players created good sportsmanship. The Athens Coaches worked to make it easier and more comfortable for everyone on the team. Crafting the game plans, taking responsibility, and leaving a lasting impression on these young men were ways the coach worked to leave memories and personal growth.
“We are a very inexperienced team, a lot of the guys can play but, understanding how to play was where they didn’t see the light,” said Christopher Davis, Head Coach.

The season has drawn to a close, and the lessons learned and memories made led to consideration of the journey that was taken for everyone included on this team. Basketball season is more than just the games that are played; it is the drive to grow and to be able to show resilience.
“You can always get better, if you stop improving you’re getting worse, always keep trying to improve,” said Davis.