With the basketball season fast approaching, Olympia entered the year with confidence and grew through months of demanding preparation. Early morning workouts, extended conditioning sessions, and a renewed emphasis on strength training and recovery have shaped a team that believes it is ready to compete at a high level from the opening tipoff.
“We’ve put in a lot of time,” junior Torrence Moore said. “I feel very good and confident going into the season.” Moore credits his offseason growth to countless hours in the gym and weight room, along with a stronger focus on nutrition and recovery. He says he took these far more seriously than in past seasons. While his confidence has grown, Moore noted that the biggest challenge of preseason conditioning has been “staying mentally locked in” throughout Olympia’s intense training schedule.
That mental and physical grind has been a common theme for everyone on the roster. Bishop Wenze described a large shift in his routine, training twice a day after practicing only once daily last season. “I feel amazing,” Wenze said, pointing to improvements in his efficiency and ball handling as sources of confidence. The preseason, however, has not been easy. Saturday hill workouts and conditioning sessions have pushed players to their limits, designed to build endurance and toughness after difficult weeks.
For sophomore Fabio Tavares, the offseason has been about readiness and resilience. After months spent improving his shooting and ball handling while managing recovery from past injuries, Tavares believes he is entering the season prepared for an amazing year. “I’m excited to show what I can do,” he said, identifying his ability to finish around the rim as a key strength heading into competition.
James Nowells has approached the season with a clear sense of purpose. Known for his shooting and aggressiveness, Nowells began preparing with 5 a.m. workouts that included shooting, strength training, stretching, and live 5 on 5 action through summer and fall tournaments. “I want to prove myself,” Nowells said, adding that he also hopes to establish Olympia as “one of the toughest teams in the city.” While he described Coach Shipp’s practices as some of the most intense he’s experienced, Nowells believes the effort will pay off when the stakes are highest.
Joseph Mimms called the start of basketball season “his favorite time of the year.” He entered the winter season, expressing eagerness to showcase his improvement since last season. Nearly daily gym sessions, film study, and added strength and speed training have fueled his confidence particularly in his jump shot and free throws. Mimms acknowledged that the toughest part of preseason has been the demanding running drills, but mentions pushing through them has prepared him for the grind ahead.
Jayden Denmark has mentioned that same eagerness, saying he feels “great” as the season approaches and excited to finally showcase the work the team has put in since June. After realizing the level of competition at Olympia, Denmark made significant changes to his routine, arriving early for extra practice and training with greater intensity. Confident in his defense and shooting, Denmark said the intense Saturday practices filled with high pressure competitions have helped bring the team closer together.
As Olympia looks ahead to key matchups, including rivalry games against Dr. Phillips and Edgewater, early tournaments like the Sun Bash, and out of state competitions during Christmas break, the team’s belief is set in stone with preparation. The months of sacrifice, players say, have built a foundation of toughness, chemistry, and confidence, one they hope will translate into results once the season begins.
