Last year, the boys basketball team became the first 20 win team in Windsor history. Along with that, they also won the JCAA conference for the first time since the 2004-05 season. 

With four of their top five scorers returning this season, the team doesn’t intend to slow down any time soon. Layton Hollis led the team with 13.3 points per game, while Brenton Shirk averaged 9.7, Noah Barnes averaged 8.6, and AJ Patrick averaged 7.2. 

In the offseason, head coach Ryan McArthy left to take the head basketball position at his alma mater, Parkway South. Brian Gilbert, the varsity assistant for the past 10 years, takes over a program on the rise. 

Coach Gilbert said, “Coach McArthy was a great coach and even better person.  His passion and knowledge of the game were second to none.  If there is one thing that I would say that I would take from him would be his ability to never get too high or too low.  That consistency is key to remaining focused on the next play, and having a calming influence on your team in those intense moments was something I took note of and will look to continue.”

Gilbert takes over a  team with high expectations. 

Gilbert said, “Our expectation for the season is to go out and compete to win every game we play.  Being the hardest working team is our number one goal.   Now I understand that does not always equate to wins, but it’s a good start. A 20 win season and winning our first conference in twenty years were huge accomplishments for our program, but there is no denying the amount of hard work it took to achieve those goals.”

Early last season, the team struggled a bit, starting the season 4-4. 

Gilbert said, “We struggled early in the year to buy into our roles and lean on team success over individual success.  Our strength is in the team first mentality and playing for each other.”

The team is excited to get started with their new head coach. 

Senior AJ Patrick said, “I’ve been playing for Coach Gilbert ever since I came here back in 8th grade and it has been something I’ve been enjoying for a while now.”

With a season that lasts over four months, it’s important for the team to stay focused throughout the long season. 

Gilbert said, “If we buy into team goals and play for each other, we will have a chance to repeat last year’s success.  But every year and every team is different. How you respond to adversity is the true test of your team.  We will be tested and how we respond is up to the leaders of our team.”

The Owls begin play at 7pm today at home against Valley Park

Patrick said, “Even though we’re fighting through a little adversity with injuries, we’ve practiced hard with whoever hasn’t been out and we are ready to bring the fight to another team.”