The boys basketball season has almost begun, and third-year head coach Ryan Nichols has been ready since the last season ended.

The boys have been working hard since Nov. 4, preparing for their first game of the season against Park Hill High School. This game is not only the home opener on Tuesday, Dec. 2, but is also a chance to avenge last season’s district tournament loss to the Trojans in the semifinal game.

The team is lead by eight seniors. Senior leadership is not uncommon in the gym, but eight seniors is almost unheard of. The past two years since Nichols has been at Oak Park, only a maximum of five seniors have put on the jersey each year. But that is not the only thing different about this year as well.

A new offense has been put in place. “Swing” as it’s called, was created to get easier shots and turn the ball over less times. It will be used throughout the season and especially in the two tournaments they are competing in this year.

The team travels to Springfield, Mo., in late November for the Parkview High School Basketball Tournament. They were chosen by former OP coach Fred Turner to represent him as he is inducted into the Missouri High School Basketball Coaching Hall of Fame.

Oak Park will also see some tournament action as they compete in the annual William Jewell Holiday Tournament in late December.

Get excited for the 50th boys basketball squad because it’s sure to be a fun year.