Every season is a fresh start with new players, challenges and competitions. This year is head Coach Roy Sackmaster’s 14th season of coaching boys’ basketball at East High School. East’s varsity team is untouchable. The varsity team is undefeated in the 2018-19 season so far.

“It starts with Chris Burnell,” said Sackmaster. “His leadership and experience is what gives us consistency with our team.”

Winning against the Boylan Titans and Auburn knights has set them in the right direction. It has been 23 years since East beat Boylan in a home game.

“We are quick and athletic,” said Sackmaster. “The team is bought in to each other and doing what is best for the group as a whole. There is good chemistry and these guys have worked hard to get better.”

The boys are currently 10-0 and ranked 10th in the state.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the best teams in the state along with other really good basketball programs that are in Illinois,” said Sackmaster.

Overcoming adversity and finishing out close games is what has led them to their success. With each victory, the boys are making their way to the top.

“It’s like a target on out back, so it just makes us work harder now,” said Chris Burnell, class of 2019.

The goal for this season is “a chance to compete for a state championship,” said Sackmaster.

For now, the focus is one game at a time. Their upcoming game will be against our rival school Guilford on Friday, December 21, at East High School.