The Indian boys’ basketball team kicked off their season with an exciting 71-57 victory at Friday night’s tipoff game against BigTyme Prep Academy. This win set a positive tone for what looks to be a promising season.
Pregame
Before the game, Head Coach Corey Johnson shared his vision for the season.
“My vision for the season is obviously to win a state championship,” Coach Johnson said. “I think with our national schedule, that’ll help prepare us for basically what’s coming up in our district. I feel like we have one of the best districts in the country. When you look at Lancaster, DeSoto, Duncanville, Cedar Hill, I mean, pretty much every game is a tough one. So, our vision is just to get prepared to make a state run.”
With seven players from last year either graduating or leaving the program, Johnson acknowledged that the team is young in some areas, but it hasn’t affected their preparation.
“We’re pretty young in spots, but I think the preparation, as far as the off-season training and practices, has been well,” he said.
Coach Johnson then spoke on team chemistry since losing a few players.
“I think the vibes are actually a lot better… the boys get along a lot better… they actually care about each other more,” Coach Johnson said. “I just think playing in our fall league games and summer games, they’ve had a chance to grow together.”
When asked about his pre-game ritual, Coach Johnson said, “I just quiet the noise around me. A big part of my game day routine is basically just making sure I’ve got everything done as far as work-wise, as far as my classes and stuff. Then, outside of that, just silencing my phone and really just getting away from everybody almost.” This is something he calls mental clarity.
Before the game, Johnson said he was looking for the team to showcase their progress from the offseason.
“Passing is one of the big things we need to improve on if we want to be the type of team we can be,” he said said. “I think we can be tough at times, but I would love to see, going into this first game, what type of toughness and assertiveness we play with.”
Trae Nunn, junior, is one of the team’s most experienced players this season. He was also ready to start the season on a high note and ride the wave of last year’s season.
“Building what we did last year for sure… bringing out our pieces that we have… pulling those together to win, hopefully, another district championship and continue far in the state this year,” Nunn said.
Similarly to Coach Johnson, Nunn said he believes the team’s chemistry is as strong as can be going into the first game.
“I think we’ve gotten stronger as a team… you know, our four captains have come together to really lead all our younger people along with us,” Nunn said. “I think we’re probably the strongest we’ve been since I’ve been here, especially… that’s going to be a big factor really in this season.”
When it comes to his own goals, Nunn emphasized personal growth. And as for the game ahead, his goal was to simply have fun.
“It’s the beginning of the season, the most exciting time of the year, so just being out there with my teammates, showing what we put in this offseason (is important),” Nunn said.
Jonathan Bradley, sophomore, also shares hope with his teammate Trae Nunn for this upcoming season.
“My vision for the season is for everybody to get better… win games, make a deep run in the playoffs… My personal goal is to be named newcomer of the year and make first-team all-district,” Bradley said.
Bradley’s pre-game ritual is simple — listening to music. He spoke on balancing school and basketball.
“Being on top of my schoolwork… studying every day, and then when I’m not at school, on a basketball court, putting in work,” Bradley said.
Mike Gatewood, junior, has straightforward goals for both himself and the team. He wants to win district, go far in the playoffs, and “hopefully make it to San Antonio,” he said.
As a returning player, Gatewood aims to build on last season’s success, with a personal goal of improving his leadership skills.
“Improve on being a better leader, team player… Just do whatever the team needs… Do whatever it takes to win,” Gatewood said.
For Gatewood, staying motivated comes from focusing on the bigger picture.
“Just look towards the future,” he said. “I know I’m gonna need both… to make it’s where I want to go. So that’s how to stay motivated.”
Game Recap
The Indians’ season opener got off to a slightly slow start, with the team trailing by 7 points just a few minutes into the first quarter. However, Gatewood got started with 6 points. Though he picked up two early fouls, his scoring kept the team within close distance. By the end of the first quarter, the Indians were down by just 2 points, 16-18.
The team found their rhythm in the second quarter, with Nunn hitting three after three, and free throws to push their lead. Around halfway through the second quarter, the Indians were up 26-22, and they continued to pull away. Bradley’s scoring was also key in the first half, keeping the team ahead. By halftime, the Indians held a slight 33-31 lead.
In the third quarter, the Indians extended their lead even further. The team demonstrated good ball movement and chemistry, meeting Coach Johnson’s expectation of improved passing. The Indians led 49-47 heading into the final period.
The Indians secured the 71-57 victory, with Nunn’s 25 points, followed by Gatewood’s 23 and Bradley’s 10. Players including Eddie Williams, Chris Brown, and Kaleb Jones contributed to the team’s triumph. Despite the slow start and 21 turnovers, the team’s resilience and persistence were key to their strong finish.
Looking Ahead
Coach Johnson reflected on the game, noting areas for improvement.
“We had 21 turnovers,” said Coach Johnson. “We gave up way too many offensive rebounds. So, with us being a smaller team, those are two things that we’re gonna have to focus on for sure.”
Despite these areas for growth, Johnson was pleased with the team’s overall performance and energy, meeting his expectations.
“It was physical, tough,” he said. “I knew it wasn’t gonna be an easy game. I wanted us to take care of the ball a little bit better… but competitive-wise, it did.”
Something Coach Johnson believes was key to Friday night’s win was the team’s vibe.
“One of the guys, what he brought up, was the energy on the bench,” Coach Johnson said. So not even necessarily what’s going on on the floor. So it’s just a complete team energy, and you gotta have that at all times.”
One team, one goal. With standout performances from Nunn, Gatewood, and Bradley, and an overall great effort from the team as a whole, our Indians boys’ basketball team is set up for a strong season. Starting the year with this win builds a solid foundation for what’s to come.
Favorite game day song?
Trae Nunn: “Nice” by THE CARTERS
Jonathan Bradley: “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill
Mike Gatewood: “Institution” by Kodak Black
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