On the back of the Hoffman Estates boys basketball team’s shirts is the word Ubuntu — a South African term meaning “I am because we are.” It’s more than a slogan for the Hawks; it defines who they are.
“It’s [Ubuntu] the idea of being a part of something bigger than ourselves…we lean on our core values: relationships, selflessness, toughness, accountability, and consistency,” said Peter McBride, coach.
These values are what allows the HEHS boys basketball team to play at such a high level for these past months, regardless of their opponent.
On Friday, January 30, the boys basketball team faced off against the Schaumburg Saxons for the second time during their season. The last time the boys played their cross town rivals at Schaumburg High School, the HEHS boys basketball team was able to pull out a win with a score of 53 – 50, after a buzzer- beating 3 pointer from Senior Christopher Mobley,
There was an electric feeling of anticipation in the gym leading up to the tip off. The players were feeding off of the energy from both student sections. In the end, the HEHS boys dominated the game and pulled out a win with a score of 62-41.
“We’re just playing good. We’re playing with a lot of love for each other. In big games we’re coming out on top, and that’s the most important thing,” said Torey Baskin, senior.
After their game on Friday, January 30, the boys seem to be untouchable in their conference, with a record of 8-0. They are at the top of the MSL East.
Despite their perfect record in conference, the boys have been down in games many times throughout the season, but each time individual mental strength and their connection as a team was able to pull them out of it and show up for their fans every single game.
“One thing about this group that makes them so special are the relationships that they have with each other,” said Jovon Stricker, assistant coach. “How these guys lean on each other, how they get through tough times really goes to show the relationship and the friendships that they have.”
As the boys continue to power through their season, they always show up for each other and their fans because they are all one. From fans to players to coaches, they all lean on each other to allow fantastic things to happen.
Gaby Antury and Tiffany Burghelea contributed to this report.
