For the Kinkaid boys’ basketball team, their recent matchup against a visiting Australian squad was more than another game; it was a chance to test their chemistry, energy, and preparation on an international stage.
Coming off a tournament championship, the Falcons emphasized starting strong and playing together, a mindset some players said shaped the tone of the night.
For sophomore guard Reid Wright, staying locked in was the top priority.
“Our main focus was to come out strong after a big championship win, not let up, and make sure we made our mark against the Australian team,” Wright said.
Like many players, Wright approached the game with a clear mindset: stay aggressive on defense, take open shots, and support teammates. He emphasized how proud he was of the team’s unselfish play.
“We moved the ball really well and played great as a complete team,” he said.
Junior Maddox Davis echoed that focus on teamwork.
He said the team’s goal was to share the ball and involve everyone on the court. “We made sure to celebrate each other’s big plays throughout the game,” Davis added.
Playing against an international opponent also brought a new layer of excitement for Davis.
“It was pretty cool playing a team from Australia… their style wasn’t hard to adjust to,” he said.
While upperclassmen anchored the team’s energy, the night became especially memorable for sophomore Reed Altsuler, who earned his first varsity minutes.
Nerves hit early for Altsuler, but he said when he finally let a three-point shot fly, it fell and he followed quickly by another.
“Everybody went crazy, started smiling, and jumped around,” he said. “The announcer saying, ‘Altsuler for three!’ was the best part.”
Even with an 81-39 victory, players said there’s still room to grow, especially on defense and in transition. But whether facing local rivals or teams from across the world, the Falcons said their connection and energy continue to bring them closer every time they step on the court.
