The boys basketball 2023-2024 season is kicking off and with five returning seniors the excitement is high. “I have high expectations for all of them,” Head Coach Ed Hafermann said.

Hafermann has coached for 20 years and has coached at West for 17 years.

With a harder conference this year, Coach Hafermann is hoping that the experience of the returning seniors can be used as an advantage for the team this season. The returners are Undrell Alexander, Nate Moore, Isaiah Robinson, Taylor Hafermann, CJ Wilson.

Senior Taylor Hafermann is looking forward to playing his final season under his dad as head coach. “I’m 100% ready for tonight’s game,” Hafermann began. “Although we feel pressure, we are ready to perform to expectations.”

Coach Hafermann is approaching this season with high hopes of a repeat for the conference championship. Last year the season ended at Sectionals, and now the goal is to get farther in the postseason.

Off the court, Coach Hafermann wants to see his players grow in the classroom and show leadership in the halls. Along with that, he has the team vote on who they think should be the team captain.

This year’s captains are Taylor Hafermann, CJ Wilson, and Isaiah Robinson.

“I learned that our style of play is a strength,” Hafermann said when asked what the team learned from last season. He thinks that the team’s smart offense and strong defense will be what helps them throughout the season.

Last year after winning the conference for the first time in 24 years, one thing that Coach mentioned was the lack of student presence at the games.

“If we can get our student body to come support the team, it can help us against those really close games,” Coach Hafermann said.

After winning Intercity last year, the expectations are high. Coach touches on how it’s a different atmosphere than regular games.

“All the players are excited to play each other from all the schools. The student sections are pretty rowdy and loud and it’s the first game of the season. So a lot of times you don’t see the best basketball in those first couple games, just because players are nervous,” Hafermann said.

Interested in watching the boys compete at this year’s Intercity Tournament? See the details below! All games are at Illinois Wesleyan University at the Shirk Center.
Nov. 20 vs Central Catholic at 7:30 p.m.
Student Section Theme: Frat
Nov. 24 vs Uhigh at 6:00 p.m.
Student Section Theme: Jersey
Nov. 25 vs Bloomington at 5:30 p.m.
Student Section Theme: Beach
Nov. 27 vs Community at 6:00 p.m.
Student Section Theme: Christmas