It has been a rough few weeks for the boys varsity basketball team. But after a close win against the Jenison Wildcats this past Friday and a rare Tuesday off, the squad looks to take off from their last victory. This time they take on conference foe West Ottawa, who the Bucs lost to 58-45 on Jan. 10.

Last time these two teams faced off, West Ottawa took control early and never looked back. This time, the game is at home where the group’s home student section will be. According to senior Adam Strom, the students will play an important role in their quest for victory.

“To come out with a victory we need to communicate,” Strom said. “Play tough, physical and confident, as well as get some help from the student section.”

These next games against conference opponents are critical if the squad wants to make a run at the playoffs. With a 1-5 record in conference play, there’s still a chance that the Bucs could compete in the postseason.

“Heading into the playoffs we need to be tough,” Strom said. “We need to be the team that wants it more and we need to be the team that will grind the whole game for a win.”

The boys game follows the girls, starting roughly at 7:30 p.m.