Boys who may not have gotten the chance to play for the junior varsity or varsity basketball teams  have the opportunity to show off their talent once more and prepare for tryouts for next season.

Varsity head coach Tony Riopelle has a full schedule for each open gym date, which will be held Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting this week. Tuesdays and Thursdays will consist of a short period of conditioning followed by full-court scrimmaging, while on Wednesdays players will participate in various weight-training activities. Any player is allowed to attend the activities.

“Open gyms help benefit our program,” Riopelle said. “They not only help the players get into basketball shape, but they help them build individual strength. New players get to see what it’s like to be in the program and see what kind of standards they should meet in order to make the team. We also get an idea of who may be fit for our program for next season.”

Freshman Travis McClendon said he’s ready to get started.

“I’m excited about open gym,” McClendon said. “It gives all the players a chance to improve while bonding with each other. It also helps us get in shape for next season.”

Players are required to attend Wednesday strength trainings in order to participate in the basketball activities scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They must also have a valid physical evaluation turned in to Riopelle prior to partaking in any activities.

By Auston Gonzalez