BALTIMORE, Md. — The St. Frances Academy boys basketball team has one goal in mind for 2021:
"Our goal from day one was to be undefeated," said Head Coach Nick Myles. "We want to be 13-0 in the Baltimore Catholic League."
"Our goal this year is to win a championship," said senior guard Elijah Davis.
"The goal is for our team to go undefeated," added senior forward Julian Reese.
So far so good.
The 3-time defending Baltimore Catholic League champions are off to a 3-0 start. They are led by Reese. The 6-foot-9 power forward is committed to the University of Maryland.
"A team player, just gut energy, rebounding, blocking shots, shooting the ball. Whatever you need that’s what I’m going to do," he said regarding what Terps fans can expect of him next season.
Reese is one of eight seniors on the Panthers roster, eight seniors who don’t get that traditional final season of high school basketball to shine in front of their family and friends in the stands. No spectators are allowed during the shortened BCL season. That hurts but these guys are looking on the bright side.
"I miss it but at the same time I can live with it because at the end of the day I’m still playing basketball during a pandemic," said Davis.
"Just with no fans, the games, I wouldn’t say they are boring but it’s not hyped up," said senior guard Khyrie Staten. "It’s kind of iffy-iffy but at the same time we get to play so we’re all happy."
That happiness will max out if they achieve their mission of becoming just the second team in BCL history, and first since Loyola from 1975-78, to be crowned BCL Tournament Champions 4 years in a row.
"Our skill level, I think we’re unmatched," said Staten. "When we all play together I think we’re the best, honestly. I don’t think anybody can stop us."
"These guys have been together for multiple years and they understand what it takes to win the BCL Championship, which is our goal," said Myles.
The Panthers next host John Carroll (1-2) on Wednesday night.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
