The basketball court sprung to life as the season began. Both the boys and girls aim to top themselves from last year’s performance (boys’ gold, girls’ 5th). Enthusiastic athletes gathered prior to the start of the season for skill training and team practices.
The boys practiced months in advance with weekly scrimmages against Korean school and military base students. Meanwhile, the girls came together before the season to hone their skills and get ready to hit the ground running.
The girls welcomed long-time veteran coach Park. He said, “I came back because I missed building relationships with the high school girls and thought that I could really help them get better at basketball and improve their skills.”
Under Park’s guidance, the team follows minute-by-minute agendas that outline warm-ups, drills, and game plans for every Monday and Friday. The moment the bell rings, the girls pound their balls against the hardwood floor and swiftly dive into their first task.
Despite the routine’s intensity, the girls match their coach’s energy and drive. Sophie Lee, sophomore varsity forward said, “I really like the increased number of extra practices and rigorous training because I didn’t feel like we improved a lot last year because we didn’t have enough preparation before our games.”
The girls express gratitude and excitement for the tough conditioning: “Mr. Park tries to bring out the best in us, and I can see that he makes time for us even when he’s busy, and I really appreciate that. One time, Mr. Park had a really important conference the day of our regular extra practices, but still came to coach us,” Lee said.
Yet, the season also came with harsh changes. Pre-season, Coach Park stated he would primarily focus on varsity. “I didn’t expect that the junior varsity would get so little playing time when I signed up. I understand Mr. Park’s intentions and goals, but I would definitely prefer to play more basketball during practice. To actually play and get better, we have to go to school outside of ASA time on weekends,” sophomore JV forward Reina Li said.
They do see the benefit of this strategy, however, and anticipate better cooperation among varsity members, along with stronger results that reflect their increased practice time and intensity. Sophomore varsity forward Bonnie Kim said, “I think it might feel a little unfair for players who have less playing time than others, but I agree that this is the best strategy for our team to succeed and earn a medal.”
This year, the boys’ lost two JV coaches, so Mr. Kaschub took over both squads. “We had two awesome alumni who volunteered their time last year with Danny Lee and Benz Han, so it’s been a challenge for me to manage all the players,” he said.
Unlike the girls, the boys faced cuts during tryouts due to a lack of gym space. Although some tasted bitter defeat, the tryouts allowed players to showcase what they can bring to the table.
Some expressed discontent with the timeline of cuts. Noah Lee, an 11th-grader who unfortunately failed to make the team, said, “I couldn’t show my actual skills and I was just sitting on the bench during tryouts so I think that was the main reason I was cut. I believe that my injury happened at the wrong time and next year I’ll try again with a healthy ankle.”
Another player who nearly failed to make the roster, junior Brian Cho, said, “Mr. Kaschub called me separately and told me that I got cut from the tryouts directly, so I wasn’t kinda shocked. I felt like I was really depressed two days after the tryouts.”
However, fate had his back. “It kinda felt weird at first like, did I really get back into the team, but now I feel really good. Honestly, I think that just kinda naturally happens to all people. But for me when I got back again, that motivated me to work harder and try my best,” Cho said.
Even with the short-handed coaching staff, the team kept the momentum with a continued strength training regime. Kaschub said, “We have just been continuing to workout in the weight room. We haven’t done as much speed and explosiveness work. Last year we did some plyometrics and sprint workouts, so we’ll hopefully implement some of those after winter break.”
The implementation of workouts led to a noticeable improvement in the players stamina and strength. “Personally, strength has been a big issue for me in the past, and having the strength training program has allowed me to grow as a player and do more for the team,” sophomore Haydn Mangione said.
Players experienced growing muscle pains with the implementation of the new program. Coach Kaschub drafted personal workout plans for players. “The program effectively managed to push the players to try and go beyond your limit in the past and lift heavier, get stronger, get more athletic and that has definitely taken a toll on my body. Especially the lower body has been sore for a pretty long time,” senior Colin Ji said.
In addition to the lifting commitment, DIS scheduled more games with other schools. The Jeil High School team, a team that fostered connections with DIS from previous volleyball scrimmages, agreed to a friendly on Jan 12. and another one against Daegu Middle High School (DMHS) awaits on the 22nd.
The more frequent games allow them to get their gears cranking faster and smoother. “Last year, with us adding in the DMHS games, it was super beneficial. It’s a big challenge because there is a significant difference between competing in a live game against other schools versus within the team,” Coach Kaschub said.
Athletes will make their official season debut on Jan. 22nd against DMHS. The boys aim to maintain their SKAIS title and make a run for KISAC gold while the girls strive to put their new regimen to the test.
