Written By: Ben Balfour, Nick Corbett, and Barrett Wallman
Boys’ basketball is back at Providence Academy. The Lions are ready to change the narrative this year, led by the new culture of the team. With returning players stepping into leadership roles, the team is ready to set a new standard.
This year’s captains, Matty Schaffer, ‘27, and Noah Boro, ‘27, have made it a point this offseason to change the culture surrounding the team.
Noah Boro, ’27, attacks the open court. PAW Photo Credit: Mark@allsportphotography.net
“We’re just developing a bond, especially with all the new, younger guys. The upperclassmen are all really close to each other and have been playing together since sixth grade,” Boro stated.
The upperclassmen have grown into leaders on the team now that they have played varsity for a couple of years, which is shown through their confidence on the court.
“I think now that we’re upperclassmen, we’re not worried about making mistakes like before. When we were underclassmen, we were so worried — playing scared, not making mistakes for the older guys. But now that we’re the older guys, I think we’re going to play with more confidence,” Boro added.
In terms of individual leadership, the team has recognized juniors, Noah Boro and Matty Schaffer, as candidates to lead the way this year. Varsity Assistant Charlie Kenney, expects Leo Giwa, ‘27, to have a larger role this season, especially on the offensive end.
Matty Schaffer, ’27, in control moves the ball up court. PAW Photo Credit: Mark@allsportphotography.net
“I expect Leo Giwa to step up this year. He was out with a knee injury last year, and he has been putting in the work and effort to take that next step as a leader of the team,” Kenney stated.
Each player has set goals to help the team win this year. Players expressed goals to improve on both sides of the ball and to build a winning program. Sophomore Colt Perrill focused his goal more on the offensive side of the ball.
“Having good shot selection is the main goal for me this season,” Perrill, ‘28, said.
The team’s philosophy this season is to take it one game at a time, and make an emphasis on making the next play.
“It just starts with the first game. We just really need to set the tone early. I think if we get off to a good start, we can build momentum, heading into the second part of the season after Christmas, and that’ll really help us build as a team,” Boro stated.
The team has made it a point this year to be the start of a new culture.
“We want to be remembered as the turning point and change the narrative. We want to be remembered as winners,” Giwa exclaimed.