With the start of winter also comes the start of boys basketball season, and just like always, the first game is played during the Christopher Turkey Tournament. The Indians are placed in the 3rd seed and will face off against New Athens at 6:15 on Tuesday, November 22. Then, the team will play on Friday and Saturday, but the times and teams will all be decided on the winning and losing of the teams collectively. New Athens is a new team in the tournament and the Indians have only played them once; this past summer Wayne City played them and lost. The players know this is a new year, and the Indians are going in with a clean slate.  “I am very excited to see how well our team performs. In my humble opinion, I think we will win every game by 20 points or more,” stated player Jonathan Durham. 

The Wayne City team has lost valuable players from last year, but fans know the players are still as talented and just as dedicated. The boys have worked to play as a team which they believe will carry them a long way. Coach Jake Talbert said, “Obviously we are all ready to play our first game, but I have enjoyed the process of teaching our team what I believe they need to know to be successful this year.” This team of boys has bettered their ball movement and teamwork, which are essential skills when it comes to winning. 

In past years, Wayne City has taken home a couple victories and several second place trophies, but the boys are determined to make this tournament just the beginning of their winning streak this year. “I feel like we will all play well individually and as a team. I have high expectations and think we will get first in the tournament,” said senior Justin Durham.