As winter approaches, so does the exciting season of winter sports. Boys basketball tryouts will take place on Thursday, December 5th, Friday, December 6th, and Saturday, December 7th. Having managed the boys basketball team for the past six years, I’ve witnessed a lot of growth and diversity in the players. I will be attending the tryouts to gain insight into the coaches’ perspectives on the upcoming season. I’m looking to learn which players stand out and what qualities the team will bring to the court this year.  

I myself was able to interview Coach Barile to get his take on the tryouts and the upcoming season. Coach Barile emphasized that he is looking for players who not only have talent but also show strong character. “We look for high character guys,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of a player’s personality as much as their skill. He continued, saying that success on the team is “a combination of character and talent.” Coach wants to have 18-20 players on the team who put the group first and show good behavior and responsibility. Players who stand out will be those who work hard and support their teammates. From what I have seen over the years as manager, the team’s makeup has changed. Last year, the team was made up of taller players, but this year the team is smaller, which will change the way they play. Coach mentioned that the past season focused on playing fast with a lot of emphasis on the seniors. This year, the goal is to create a new culture and build teamwork, specifically with fewer seniors. Coach Barile sees the season as an opportunity to build strong expectations for work ethic, sportsmanship, and communication. He has three seniors  Noah, Collin, and Christian who will help lead the team and set the tone for the younger players.  

Coach also pointed out that the team has had success with athletes who play more than one sport. He explained that players who commit to basketball for the season, even if it’s not their main sport, contribute a lot to the team. These players bring a positive attitude to the team.  

In sports, team chemistry plays a huge role in the team’s success. Coach Barile believes that strong chemistry comes from spending time together outside of basketball, so the team organizes activities like dinners, movies, bowling, and even community service projects. I myself have been able to participate in these activities that have created a sense of family. This season, the team will be attending a basketball game together, where we will watch Owen Liss, who graduated from Suffield High in 2021, play at the University of St. Joseph’s, to help the team see what it takes to succeed at a higher level. To help new players fit in, the older players take on a leadership role, teaching younger players the drills and how the team works. Coach believes this is the best way to show the new players what Suffield basketball is about.  

With Coach Barile’s guidance, it’s clear that this season’s focus will not just be on talent but also on building a close knit, supportive team, as it has been in the past few years. “We’ve had a lot of talented players throughout the years,” he said, highlighting the team’s consistent depth in skill. As the players put their best foot forward and grow together, it will be the combination of skill, character, and teamwork that will help the team have a successful season.