Lake Oconee Academy boys’ basketball is ready to hit the court after barely missing the playoffs last year.
The Titans finished last season 8-19 and sixth in the region. They are looking to build on a single season that included the most wins in the program’s short history.
“I’m excited about the group we got, and I’ve got big expectations for them,” LOA head coach Josiah Rechenbach said. “We’ve been preparing and working for a long time.”
LOA has been playing together since the end of last season, including a lot over the summer. In the offseason, the Titans participated in multiple camps, which helped them grow as a unit.
“We played tons of basketball this summer and have been getting after it in the preseason,” Rechenbach said. “So, [the start of the regular season] is all about us hitting the ground running.”
The Titans’ core has been together for a couple of years now, so the team’s mentality is to expect to win rather than hope to win.
“One of our goals is making a run at the end of the season,” Rechenbach said. “The core we have and the group that is returning, I definitely believe we can make that happen.”
Part of that core are seniors James Wright III and Torin Maddox. Both players are in their fourth year with the program and are expected to be key payers this season.
Rechenbach said that the identity he tries to instill in his team is toughness.
“I think for us to be successful, our identity has to be toughness,” he said. “Come February, you’ll see if those seeds you planted have taken root with your group.”
For the Titans to reach their goals, the team needs to do some other things well. They need to be more consistent on the defensive side of the ball, and Rechenbach can’t wait to see the result.
“Playing tough defense and taking care of the ball is the name of the game, so I’m looking forward to seeing them do that,” Rechenbach said. “As a coach, you look at the wins and losses. But right now, as we’re in early November, it’s all about guys learning to play to the standard of our program.”
The Titans opened their season on Nov. 12 by defeating Westminster Christian 54-49. They will next face GMC Prep at home on Nov. 23.
“I’m really excited about this group. I know the results will come,” Rechenbach said.