By Eddie Blanton

If you’ve been attending the boy’s basketball, games you’ve probably noticed a few players watching the game from the bench. The injury list is no fun for a player, but when several players are plagued by injuries, it could cost them more than the bargained for.

At the beginning of the season, the varsity boys started off with a bang against Papillion-LaVista blowing them out with a 55-35 win. But as the season rolled on, it was obvious there was a problem. As the next three games pressed on, the boys only averaged 41.6 points per game, which, unfortunately, was not enough to beat Creighton Prep, Norfolk, or Millard West.

“The Northeast game was the game to be at,” said senior Jok Kut. “We came into the game short handed.”

Three key players on the team were injured, which slimmed the Gators chance for the win. Drew Henning (12), Anthony Ruhl (12), and Kiefer Musiel (10) were all on the bench during the game due to injury. Henning had broken a finger on his left hand during practice, Ruhl had torn ligaments in his leg after a fall, and Musiel was still recovering from surgery on a broken bone in his foot. Henning

Although all the injuries took a toll on the game, the varsity boys came out with the win after taking the game into overtime. Kut came away from the game with 21 points and 14 rebounds. “With all the injuries [we had] I knew I had to step up for my team,” said Kut. And step up he did, with the Gators winning the game 60-55. The team continues to take it one game at a time.

Through the injuries, the Gators have continued to persevere. All players are now healthy, as Musiel’s broken foot is now healed and he is working hard to get back on the court yet this season. He hopes to be able to take the court in time for districts in a few weeks.

The Gators take on the Islanders of Grand Island tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Swamp.