Jupiter boys basketball starts new season

Jupiter High’s boys varsity basketball team began their season on Nov. 27, and are off to a successful start with a record of 3-1. 

In season, the team practices six days a week for three to four hours for around four months. The team is committed to get better and hopefully make the district championship. 

Joseph Depasquale, Jupiter High basketball coach, has been coaching the team for two seasons.  Depasquale was a student and player at Jupiter High, so when the opportunity came to lead the program it was too good to pass up. He has been committed to the team since. 

“We work harder than anyone, outside and during the season,” Depasquale said. 

Raymond Collum, freshman, has been playing basketball for 12 years and he is the only freshman on the team. He communicates how important team bond is. 

“The more we get along, the better we play, and the more exciting we are to watch,” Collum said. 

Grant Oliver, junior, is a starting point guard and has been playing since he was four years old. He also expresses the crucial factor necessary to have a good season.

“Every team can play together but I think we are one of the teams with a better chemistry because of the amount of work we put in,” Oliver said. 

Because of the amount of time they practice in and out of season, the team is able to form a strong bond. 

Gianna Grieco

“I think we’ve gotten a lot closer over this past fall, and I think we’re going to continue to build that chemistry and be a great team,” Collum said. 

With the amount of basketball practice, the team has to start adjusting to the school workload. 

“You need to have good time management. If I have practice later I try to do it before, and if I have practice right after school I try to do it as soon as I get out of practice,” Oliver said. 

Jackson Baer, junior, is a starting shooting guard. He explains the commitment the players have on the varsity team. 

“Our teammates show up for every practice when they could be focusing on their social life or school life more. It shows our dedication,” Baer said. 

Depasquale says in the end all the hard work that the kids put in pays off. When they show up to practice they can play better and be supported by the school spirit at Jupiter High.

“The energy we get at home games, especially with the dance and cheer team, makes it such a great environment to play in. It definitely helps us out,” Depasquale said.

Depasquale and the team share the importance of not only commitment to practice and basketball, but also commitment between the members of the team. 

“We talk a lot about our basketball program being a brotherhood and what it means to be a good teammate and person. The more we go through tough experiences and adversity in games, the more that we will grow,” Depasquale said.