By Kelsey Hamilton

As the 2012-13 season draws to a close for AHS basketball, players shared their thoughts with AHSneedle.

Game nights usually start at 4:30 with the freshmen. Freshman Brendan Holmes said that he felt that coach Jeremy Blake was very fair about playing time. Holmes also mentioned that they need to work on their defense. Holmes’ favorite game to watch was the Glenwood game.

Freshman Ryan Hawkins said that his favorite game was the Harlan vs. Atlantic away game. He said it made him proud to be a Trojan. Hawkins also mentioned that better communication with the team would really help them tie down their game. Hawkins mentioned that he really feels that the coaches have built him into a better player.

The JV  team is next on the court, usually playing at six, or right after the freshman game. Sophomore Tristen Benn said, “Team effort has been really good this season.” Benn also plays varsity and said that he liked to watch and be a part of the Harlan away game because it was really exciting. Benn mentioned that he as an individual player feels like he is improving through the year. Benn mentioned how his stats are low according to his varsity playing but he enjoyed being part of the two teams.

Varsity starts off at 7-7:30 depending on when JV ends. Senior Dalton Franken said that he feels that everyone played hard and always can manage to fight back to take home the win. Senior Stuart Hoegh said the team “got on the ground” for loose balls. His favorite game was the Harlan home game. “I felt good and we were pretty confident coming in since we already beat them once this year.” He said that everyone kept their composure really well. Franken also said that was his favorite game. “I’d say it was really good atmosphere. It is always good when you’re able to beat Harlan.” He also mentioned that he was okay with how he played, he shot a couple of unsure shots, but overall he played a decent game.

The Trojans play next in Denison, Tuesday, Feb. 5. Their final home game will be Senior Night, Friday, Feb. 8, against a strong Creston team.