The Latin boys basketball team concluded tryouts on Nov. 11 and has since begun preparations for their season opener against Ogden International High School on Nov. 24.

This year’s varsity boys basketball team consists of eight seniors, four juniors, two sophomores, and one freshman. Last season, the team had a record of seven wins and 17 losses and fell in the first round of the IHSA playoffs to Noble Academy. However, senior forward Gordon Granat believes the improvement of junior Rohin Shah and senior captain Thomas McLaughlin will greatly increase the team’s success.

“Rohin is back from his injury,” Gordon said. “He is an athletic and versatile player who has unlimited stamina, and Thomas has developed a buttery smooth jumpshot, and he can finish through contact at the rim.”

Thomas believes the team’s intensive training regimen throughout preseason practices has greatly strengthened their cohesion on the court.

“Our team chemistry is stronger this year,” Thomas said. “We’ve all gotten really close together this preseason, and we’re super excited for our first game.”

Due to the team’s successful preseason, Thomas is optimistic about their chances in the Independent School League this year, noting, “I believe we will have a much better record than last year and pick up some hardware.”