Stratford Boys Basketball: The Game is On

The Stratford basketball team is off to a great season. With recent victories against Memorial, Cy-Creek, and Northbrook, the Spartans are a force to be reckoned with.

This year’s Spartans are a unique team, and the team’s strength is in that uniqueness. As Head Coach Brett Nixon puts it, “This group plays for each other, and everyone is relentless in their desire to improve.” 

Senior Everett Bates explains that “nobody cares who gets to shine, and it creates an incredibly contagious winning atmosphere.” 

The Spartans do have great chemistry. On any given night there are 8-9 guys that can step up to make an impact. Senior Luke Hatcher sums it up by saying that “our players are all close friends on and off the court, and it makes a difference.”

Coach Nixon agrees that this group loves being around one another. He adds that when everyone likes each other like this group does, it makes for a lot of fun memories and moments. 

When asked about team goals, Coach Nixon says that the team does not set goals. For them, it is about the process and a focus on doing the things they need to do to be at their best. 

Bates says for him the  focus is to just keep getting better. Based upon his experience as a player, Bates seeks to lead and set example for his teammates.

The Spartans are excited to see what they can achieve together. 

As of now, the team has really come together to make some big plays, especially in big games. A buzzer beating half-court basket to win the Strake Jesuit game earlier this season stands out as one of the greatest moments so far. It was an exciting night, and a large group of Stratford supporters were on hand to join in the post-game celebration.   

Coach Nixon acknowledges that there is no better community than Stratford America. The Spartans love having such great support this year and are excited to see it continue to grow.

Find out more information on the Stratford team and their schedule at Stratford Basketball.