The Indian basketball team looks to reach higher goals and repeat an undefeated district season after finishing 10-0 last year as it begins scrimmaging on Nov. 13 at Permian.

“I think we can go undefeated again,” junior Erick Acosta said. “We might have a lot of challenges, but we can overcome them.”

With the 8-0 goal established in a new district, the Indians revisit the past.

“We have to live up to last year and beat Lubbock Estacado this year,” senior Brennon Evjen said. “If we accomplish this, we can go undefeated.”

With the loss of nine of last year’s seniors, the team has its job cut out for it.

“They left us with big shoes to fill,” Evjen said. “They only lost to the state champions by six points.”

The loss of last years seniors also opens doors for players to prove themselves.

“Anytime you lose a class that was as successful as last year’s, you have some rows to fill,” Coach Paul Page said. “This leaves us with some opportunities to see some kids step in and fill some big roles.”

Junior Rance Layton sees losses of teammates as double-edged.

“It wasn’t a positive effect,” Layton said, “but it opened up places for others to show their talents.”

Improvements must also be made because the team is still learning.

“We’re kind of inexperienced,” Layton said, “but we’ll learn quickly.”

Page said he won’t be changing the way the Indians progress.

“We’re going to use the same expectations by getting better each week,” Page said. “Our expectation is to become a great team, and as a result of that win district and make the playoffs.”,

Even though junior Jarod Adams is still playing football, he also has set some goals for basketball.

“My goal is to lose no more than five games,” Adams said. “I also hope that we go undefeated in district and beat Estacado.”

Whether in off season or still playing football, the Indian basketball players are still thinking about the upcoming season.

“I think the season will go well,” Layton said. “I’d really like to dunk the ball this season.”

According to Page, being in a new district won’t really change the competition.

“Everyone is going to be better,” Page said. “Greenwood has the most returning players, but everyone is going to be about even.”

Evjen said the few in off season must work hard to live up to their potential.

“There’s a lot of running,” Evjen said. “Coach Page pushes us to our point where we can get better.”

Acosta said off season has been a struggle, but it helps with improvements.

“It makes everyone stronger,” Acosta said. “As soon as we’re all dedicated we,re going to go for it.”

Page said the team has some obstacles to overcome but is capable to get past them.

“If they take opportunities, anything is possible,” Page said. “There are eight games this year in district, and if we realize our potential, going undefeated is possible.”