After a 13-12 record just a season ago, the Robinson boys’ basketball team is looking to see more success and capture a district title. They will have to do this with a young team, as they are only returning one starter from last year.

With six seniors leaving the after graduation, the Knights must now rely more on younger players to win games. This requires a little tweak in Head Coach Steve Smith’s coaching to start the season.

” [There is] a lot more teaching, a lot more getting guys in the right spots,” Smith said. “but the guys have been working hard and I think we’re looking good so far.”

Despite this, coach Smith has a positive outlook on the season.

“…the guys are working hard and I think this team’s hungry and I’m excited to see what we can do this year.” Smith said.

Not only is the coach looking forward to see how the young players perform, so are some of the senior players.

“I think [the youth] is gonna help us because not only are they young but as well they’re athletic.” guard Joshua Hall-Gomez (’20) said. “We’re all willing to learn and work together to have a better outcome.”

One player, guard Joe Strickland (’20) has one particular opponent in mind going into the season.

“[I am looking forward to] playing Jesuit” Strickland said.  The Knights played them three times last season, including in the district finals, and lost all three encounters. “I want to beat them.”

Some players feel that the locker room has a different feel this year.

“We’re more united, everyone gets along better.” Strickland said.

The team’s first game will be on Monday, November 25 against Bayshore Christian.

Coach Smith has his team focused on getting a little bit farther than they got last season.

“Every year we go in, our goal is to compete for a district title,” Smith said. “We got a new district this year, we added some teams, so it’s going to be a challenge but we’re excited to face that challenge.”