Carlisle boys basketball looks to continue their success

Season opens with the Carlisle Classic tournament Dec 5.

Brianna Robison

CHS player Michael Wuestner is preparing for the 2013-2014 season.

Carlisle Boys Basketball, coming off an impressive 2012-2013 run at states, looks to improve on their past success and take the team even further this year.

After a head-scratching three-win season in 2011, Carlisle Basketball worked hard throughout the summer and fall to prepare for last year’s season.  With Coach Andre Anderson coming back for his second year, the team had high hopes for success.  They started the season 0-4, and quickly the team was starting to look like a disaster.

It all turned around with a strong win against Cumberland Valley on their home court, and the team was propelled into a six game win streak that put them right back into contention.  With the support of many fans and teammates, the team was able to make playoffs and win the first game at states.  Their season ended after a loss to State Championship runner-up Lower Merion.

George Null, CHS Athletic Director, said, “ [I am] excited about the upcoming season. There are a lot of returning players for the team and they have worked hard throughout the offseason to improve. ”

Null added, “Coach Anderson was a graduate here at CHS so he knows the program and knows what it means to bring home victories.  He is passionate about the sport and he provides many opportunities for players to succeed.  They have set the bar high for this season and they hope to come together on and off the court to create good chemistry and show cohesion on the team.”

Senior Tim Atkinson, returning starter, was very contemplative on the team improving their defense this year.  He said, “We need to work on our transition defense.  We need to be able to locate the ball in transition and be able to beat the fast breaks.”

Atikinson added that if the team could do this, “we could easily compete in districts and possibly go further.”

Junior Jake Milligan, who is coming back after getting a taste of the playoff experience last year, is very excited for this upcoming season.  “We have been working hard since June working out multiple times a week to get better,” said Milligan.  “I’m not worried about my personal stats, but I will do whatever I need to do to help the team succeed.”

Carlisle Basketball opens its season with the Carlisle Classic, a tournament between Carlisle and three other teams from different parts of the state.  You can catch the first game of the classic on Friday, Dec 5, with the finals of the tournament on Saturday, Dec 6.