The squeak of the shoes, the echo of the cheers, and the bounce of the basketball are heard throughout the gym. Highlands boys and girls basketball teams are getting ready for the start of their new season. They have been working hard all summer, 6 days a week. After both teams lost in the 9th Region tournament last year, Highlands is trying to start the season with a win.

The girls played at Indian Hill on Nov. 17  for their first scrimmage of the season. Last year, the team went 22-9, but had a disappointing end to the season. They’re hoping for a more promising season and a better result this year.

The boys started their season a day after the girls on Nov. 18 at Oak Hills. They suffered a heartbreaking loss to Cooper last season. The boys are looking for a good win against Indian Hill.

The boys’ team is coming into the season with confidence, Gus Back (10) describes.

“I think we’re gonna be great, honestly. We’re senior-heavy, so we have a ton of experience, and I see it’s likely to make the regional finals and hopefully win,” Back (10) said.

Nathan Rickard (12) is pumped for this season and is ready to have one more go at a regional title with his team.

“I’m excited to have one last run at it with all my teammates. We have a lot of seniors, so I think our team chemistry is super high this season,” Rickard (12) said.

Seniors like Rickard (12) have been very helpful to new, younger players, including Amil Wimzie (8).

“I like all the guys on the team, and I like a lot of coaches. They’re all helpful,” Wimzie (8) said.

The girls’ team, along with the boys, are excited to start the season and ready to leave everything on the court, as said by Avery Barber (12).

“I hope just to leave everything out on the court and, like, have no regrets and just have a good season with everyone,” Barber (12) said.

Coach Jaime Richey and the team are looking for a lot of success this upcoming season.

“It’s definitely, you know, every year to compete in every game, no matter who we play. Also, looking at district titles, region titles, but most importantly, it is to improve for each game and to play their best basketball at the end of the year, and it really matters,” Richey said.

When the seniors finish this season, Richey hopes they remember the amazing team they were surrounded by.

“Just overall experience, you know, like, when you look back on your high school career, you get older, you’re not gonna think about all the wins and losses, you’re gonna think about the team all around you,”  Richey said.