As the student section of the bleachers filled with spirited high schoolers, many dressed for the formal theme in dresses and suits, the boys varsity basketball players ran out onto the court to start warming up. The squeak of sneakers on the gym floor and encouraging cheers from the crowd signaled the beginning of a great game to come. 

The victorious game for boys varsity basketball ended with a final score of 40-36 on Jan. 28 against Cary Grove. However, it was not just an easy win for the team, and the players worked hard to obtain the victory. 

The score remained close throughout the game, but the first basket was made by Huntley, starting the game off strong and motivating the team. In the first quarter, Huntley and Cary Grove both kept their defenses strong, and the quarter ended with a tied score of 6-6. 

Coming off of the first quarter, the tensions were high as the teams prepared for the tough game still ahead of them. In the second quarter, Huntley came ready to play, making two baskets just a couple minutes into the quarter. Cary Grove followed quickly behind, and the back and forth continued throughout, still ending the quarter with Huntley in the lead and a score of 21-17. 

While still a tight game, in the third quarter, Cary Grove took the lead, and the score was 29-30. The excitement in the gym increased throughout the fourth quarter as the two teams fought for the victory. 

The players on the bench encouraged their teammates from the sidelines, stomping to the beat of “We Will Rock You,” and the student section followed, causing the bleachers to vibrate. 

The score was 35-36 with only 1:52 left on the clock. Huntley took a time out to regroup before coming back onto the court, ready to finish the game off and secure the victory. Huntley’s defense successfully held Cary Grove, and they managed to score another 5 points. 

“It was kind of a slow-paced game. We didn’t really play our best on offense, but defensively we picked it up towards the second half,” junior Noah Only said. 

Both teams had strong defenses, but the numerous fouls that were called on both sides made their offensive games less effective. 

“Our rotation was a little bit unusual with some foul trouble, but we’ve got a bunch of seniors who have been in close games. We kind of got outplayed for most of that second half and found a way to win,” head Coach William Benson said. 

The team pulled through in the second half, despite the challenges along the way. 

“I feel like we did great. We just had to get more stops and defense, and that’s basically it,” junior Oliwier Dzik said. 

“We needed to improve defensively, and I thought we did tonight,” Benson said. 

Huntley’s victory against Cary Grove and their determination for improvement gives the team hope for more victories to come throughout the season.