The Varsity Bear Basketball team is looking to have another successful season. Despite losing three starters from last year’s team, head coach Darin Harley said the team is still determined to return to playoffs.

“We need new players to replace and define our team in a way that those players did,” Harley said.

Seniors Andrew Daspit and Cameron Parker are two returning starters who will help define the Bears this year. To be a good basketball player, Harley said it takes dedication, but it also takes and requires perseverance.

“It’s easy to be dedicated when things are going good,” Harley said. “However, we want players to persevere and overcome when obstacles are hard. That’s a life lesson.”

The Bears practice five days a week from 6 a.m. until 8 a.m. and Harley said they have been working on all phases of the game, but rebounding is an area they must also get better at to be successful. He also said getting new players used to the schedule and familiar with the team always takes time.

“We use a ‘segment clock’ that signals coaches to change to a new phase, every ten minutes,” Harley said.

He also said it’s important for the team to remain successful, even though perfecting a program takes years. The Bears’ next game will be against the PNG Indians this Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.