Much anticipation rises as the defending basketball state champions and cross-town rivals, the Ben Davis Giants, come to the far east side to take on the Warriors. The Warriors are seeking to pull an upset that will be remembered for many years. With arguably the biggest rivalry in the state, the two teams will go head to head in a showdown of skill, speed and intelligence.
This matchup is set to take place on Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
The Warriors know that this game will be a long game offensively and defensively. The Warriors, however, are ready for this matchup. With new coach Criss Beyers, the team is looking in a new direction for the future. Unfortunately falling short in their first game 92-71 against Cathedral, the Warriors had many turnovers in less than ideal times, causing concern among the team. While it was the very first game of the season, there is much room for improvement.
“We didn’t play as well as we can against Cathedral,” senior Robert Walker said, “We could see that we are really good, we just can’t have mental lapses.”
After the heartbreaking loss, the Warriors are looking forward to their schedule and the many tough opponents ahead. Damien “Dink” Keys gave some insight into how the team prepares for games.
“As a team we prepare by watching film from our previous games so we can see what we need to work on,” Keys said. “Then throughout the week we work on how to play what other teams will normally do in a game such as ball screens, and dribble hand off actions. Truly we prepare the best by staying focused in practice and just competing to make each other better every day.”
Ben Davis won the 4A Indiana basketball championship against Kokomo this past season. With this in mind, the Warriors will have to push and work hard to dominate the Giants at all costs. For some players, preparation may have already begun months in advance as some players look to improve the team by spotting a problem.
The Warriors also are bringing back a familiar face in coach Criss Beyers. Beyers was formally the basketball coach here at Warren but left. But as of last spring he was hired back to coach the team here. With this in mind the team is seeing a change in motivation as they adjust to Beyers. This is another way on how the Ben Davis game could be crucial to the possibility for success for the Warriors.
“[Coach Beyers] brings a different energy,” Keys said. “He's more keen on little details with our play. The culture is still in the process of being changed but it’s good nonetheless.”
While Warren looks to compete with some of the best teams in the state, they also realize that they are still on the upswing. The team is rebuilding to compete and have a possibility of repeating the 32-0 state championship team of 2018. While an undefeated season is no longer possible, a state championship is still in sight, and a win against Ben Davis would be a step in the right direction.
“[I] hope we can show everyone that we are a force to be reckoned with around the state,” Keys said.