Basketball Faces Quarry Classic

Rocklin High looks forward to their annual game against rival school Whitney High

Basketball Faces Quarry Classic

Starting the season with a 63-49 win against Lincoln, the Thunder basketball squad is striving for another winning season.

Building off of last year’s overall record of 15-13, the boys have a preseason ranking at no. 20 in “The Bee’s top 20,” and are looking forward to a successful season with room to improve and grow as a team.

However, the team has controversial views on not having a home game until the 18th of December.

“Playing away gives the home teams an advantage as they have a longer time to get mentally prepared for the game to come. While the traveling team may be tired and not as prepared, but I think for the most part we will play with the same tempo as always” says Junior Wesley Preece.

“I believe that it will improve our at home record, and help us mentally be ready to play to our full potential later in league for the away games and it will make the fans more anxious to come support us at home,” adds senior Vinnie Safin.

The loss of two seniors to football injuries earlier this fall poses a challenge in filling the missing roles, but the team is confident they have enough depth to succeed this season.

Senior Jake Toto says, “it will take away from the depth of the team, but with the sophomore and juniors stepping up to fill in roles we should pull through.”

The team will face tough opponents this season in the “super league” SFL, and they all agreed Folsom would be the most difficult team they face.

“This season will be full of ups and downs because of the tough competition, but I think we will be successful,” adds Jake.

This will be the fifth year of the Quarry Classic, the game will be on Saturday the 13th against cross town rivals, the Whitney Wildcats.

The game is hosted by Whitney this year, but Rocklin is expecting a large turnout for the student section.

Mr. Stewart says “The night of the game the crowds are loud and great. Its more of a precursor of what to expect from other student sections in league like Del Oro, Granite Bay, Woodcreek and now Folsom and Oak Ridge”

With students leading “The Storm” the leaders hope to get a large fanbase to cheer on the team as they play Whitney on Saturday.

Senior Dylan Smethurst, one of the main leaders of “The Storm” says, “I expect big things, and a lot of support from the students. If that happens we will have a really big year.”

The students are excited about the upcoming rivalry, however the players view it as they would any other game.

Senior Keyshon Williams adds, “We aren’t too affected by the title, we just need to go out and play good, and focus on our defense and free throws.”

The Thunder are looking to be successful this season with the support of the school and positive energy on the court.