With the boys’ basketball season underway and a 3-17 overall record, the players and coaches recognize both team and individual obstacles.

?This season has proved to be a challenge because the team is discouraged by the losses we have sustained, but hope has not been lost,? coach Chris Schultz said. ?Our challenge is to have the right attitude and believe in each other. This will help us move forward.?

The team?s preseason training began in August with two practices per day at 5 A.M. and 2:15 P.M.

?Not everything you do in life is what you want to do,? senior Paris Smith, starting wing, said. ?For some things, you must sacrifice and I sacrifice for basketball because of my love for the sport.?

Smith arrived on campus from Hoover High, in fall of ?06 and played varsity football. He began basketball training the day after football season ended. Smith believes this improved his endurance and speed in preparation for the upcoming season.

?There has never been a day when Paris hasn?t brought a joyful spirit to the team,? Schultz said. ?He inspires others because of his attitude and energy. Paris is a good defensive player and is very coachable.?

Smith began playing basketball at a young age with the help of his older cousin.

?I never had a gym to go to while growing up, so I had to play outside with older people,? Smith said. ?As I grew older, family situations and other complications forced me to move from school to school, but I continued to play basketball regardless of these problems.?

With their second home victory against the Tranquillity Tigers on Jan. 16, the team looks to the future games with optimism.

?My hope is that we continue to play as a team regardless of any record of wins or losses,? Smith said. ?When we play with intensity, we do well and put ourselves in a position to win.?

According to teammate senior Joey Logan, point guard, Smith’s committment on and off the court shows his intensity and attitude in spite of attending a new school.

?He shows it [enthusiasm] by the way he plays basketball,? Logan said. ?He never gives up and the people around him have a good time.?

The team will next travel to play Riverdale on Jan. 26 at 7:30 P.M. For more information on individual games click here on Boys’ basketball sport shorts. For 2007 boys’ basketball SWSL standing and stats, check out Maxpreps SWSL boys’ basketball.