It is now three weeks into basketball season. The players are sorted into their squads, but the team still needs to "develop quality depth in the front line," said W.F. West boys' basketball coach, Dale Leach. "We need to be smarter in reading situations and we have to get to know each other to be able to work with everyone."

There are hopes of playoffs and games that will blow the opponents out of the water, but hard work comes first. "We're going to be very athletic. We've got kids who can run and jump and make plays," said Leach.

The consensus goal of the individuals is to become a playoff team. Senior Justin Thompson confirms the team's ambition. "We plan on being top in the league. We're planning on a district appearance," said Thompson.

Besides the playoffs, more basic goals need to be met before competing at the levels beyond league. These include being in good physical shape, developing quick thinking and reflexes, making brisk passes, and accurate shots. The returning varsity playeres recognize the practicality of these skills. "We have to be in good shape to run the ball, rebound well and play good defense," said senior John McCroskey. McCroskey is a key player on the team. During the 1996-1997 season, McCroskey set a school record for three pointers with 58% accuracy.

Coach Leach's plans for the team are positive steps that will work towards districts. "It [the goals] will be to win more games than lose. The best ball of the year will be the last game of the year," said Leach.

A strategy Leach is planning to use this year, according to senior Kojo Obeng, is a lot of "passing and running the ball real fast, uptempo style of basketball."

"We're going to try to outscore the other team," said Thompson. More specifically Thompson wants to "defeat Centralia twice."

The strength of the team at this point lies on the returning varsity players. Justin Thompson, the leading scorer last season, had a 17.8 point average per game and 8.8 rebound average per game.

Even with Thompson's strength inside, the guards need to step up to make assists that lead to scoring opportunities. With John McCroskey, Kojo Obeng, or junior Dan Capen in control of the plays at the point, their quick decisions will determine the strategy of each play. Juniors Dave Barrett, Steve Harrell, and Justin Petersen have a big role of carrying through and passing the ball to the inside.

The possible JV players who are stepping up to a varsity position have great potential. Leach said, "I've seen nine players who've improved and can play at this level." Leach declined to name players besides those returning. According to some of the returning lettermen, senior John Kesting will take over a leading role in the center. Barrett, a swing player from last season will also play a role this year at wing. He "is going to be a big contributer in scoring this year and will help take the load off Justin," said Obeng.

The team's weaknesses will only be visible at the beginning of the season. But by building trust in the individual's abilities, the team as a whole can become competitive at the district level.