By Paige Szygiel – Staff Reporter

The Law boys basketball team returns a veteran team this season, led by senior captains Destin Johnson and Nolan Beardsley.

The Lawmen plan to bring a whole new energy and focus in order to win games and make it to the state tournament.

“Our goal this season is to make the state playoffs,” Johnson said. “If we play solid defense and share the ball on offense we should be able to make it.”

Johnson and Beardsley plan to take their captain roles head on and lead their team to victory.

“In practice we’re focusing more on defense and preventing teams from getting in the paint,” Johnson said. “We’re also working on offensive fundamentals.”

The Lawmen practice seven days a week and work up their skills with every drill they do.

“Practice is where we can make mistakes and improve them,” Beardsley said. “We put 110% into all the drills we do, and that is going to make us successful this year.”

Head coach Mr. Dooley expects a lot from his senior captains.

“(Mr.) Dooley really pushes us in the right direction and wants to see us succeed,” said Beardsley. “He really wants to see us get the results we deserve.”

The team returns many experienced players this season. Seniors Matt Marino, Evan Carollo, and Justin McFadden will work together with the captains to get results.

“Our key players this season are Nolan and Justin,” Johnson said. “They’ll do a majority of the scoring, while myself, Evan, and Matt will anchor our defense.”

With 10 returning seniors, the Lawmen are more confident about their potential.

“The most enjoyable thing is just to play with my friends,” Beardsley said. “All of us have been friends for years and that’s what keeps us so close.”

Last year’s Foran games were tough tests for the Lawmen. The cross-town rivalry goes back and forth every year, and this year Law plans to win both games.

“Our schedule this year isn’t as difficult on paper as previous years but we have no guaranteed wins either,” Johnson said. “Hillhouse and Hand are always tough to play, and the Foran game is the game I’m looking forward to the most.”