The start of basketball season always draws attention as returning starters and new freshmen compete for positions on the team. Excitement and anticipation is present from the first day of conditioning to the last day of tryouts.

“I’m trying out for basketball because all of my family played for Topeka High and I want to, too,” Tahj James, freshman said.

When tryouts come to an end, boys and girls basketball will only have a few weeks to prepare to play against Highland Park on December 15. Fans and players are already anticipating the first game of the season which will also be the first home game.

“I feel like we did good last year but I feel like we will do better this year, we have a really good team this year,” Jhailyn Johnson, senior said.

Besides their regular schedule, boy’s varsity will play in two invitational tournaments and girl’s varsity in one. The teams hope to be outstanding in their league, do well at substate, and qualify for the state tournament.

“I want to actually get back to actually playing basketball and hopefully be the best team in the city, win Centennial, and hopefully make it even closer to State than we have in the last couple of years,” Chris Young, senior said.

Students and other fans can also gear up. The women’s team has started a fundraiser with money going towards new uniforms and travel gear.  The team is selling a variety of fan gear including: t-shirts, jackets, headbands, leggings, tights, snapbacks, safari hats, hoodies, pants, pajama pants, socks, and arm sleeves.