Team dinners and board game nights are just some ways the Kennedy Girls and Boys basketball teams celebrate after a game. Both the female and male teams are connected through the sport and united with their teammates by the traditions that bond them.
After a game, the teams celebrate their victories in different ways.
“One of my favorite traditions we do as a team is after a win on Friday night, during Saturday morning practice, we will do an NBA skills challenge,” junior Trey McKowen said. “That’s definitely one of my favorites.”
Mimicking NBA all-stars allows the boys to practice their abilities while also having fun. The silly games provide a moment for the players to loosen up during stressful basketball seasons.
Even the smallest traditions leave a huge impact on a team.
“We like to listen to music before a game to get hyped and after the walk through we usually like to get smoothies as a team, TikToks and dancing help us get hyped before a game,” junior Lexi Moore said.
Solo traditions for individual players are significant in the team dynamic as well. Taking time before the game allows the players to mentally prepare for the game.
“Sometimes we will have music playing but usually everyone is doing their own thing trying to lock in and get ready for the game,” McKowen said.
Prioritizing moments alone for games is crucial for the players to stay focused. Bonding as a team strengthens their morale and unites them on the court. Traditions drive them towards a common goal and allow players to create memories they will cherish from each season.
“My favorite memory so far is definitely after beating North Scott to go to the state tournament last year,” McKowen said.
Major victories against opposing teams are standout memories for the teams and celebrating the wins is another tradition that unites the players.
“It was a super close game between North Polk and they are ranked super high,” Moore said. “I hit two free throws and ended up winning the game.”
Team dinners are common practice for both the boys and girls teams. Either to celebrate, bond or simply just hang out after a practice.
“Going out to eat after games is the first one that comes to mind when thinking of ways to bond as a team,” McKowen said. “Also staying after practices or open gym and just talking is also a great way.”
The staple tradition allows for the teammates to bond and become closer as a team.
“Team dinners are always a great way for us to bond as a team and get to know each other, ” Moore said.
Whether it’s through team building, celebrating after a tough win or gearing up for a match-up alone before a game, traditions are an essential part of Kennedy’s boys and girls basketball teams.
“I think having traditions makes us communicate better on the court and have better communication all around,” said Moore.
