Graphic by Lexi Marcellino

The boys basketball and both the boys and girls soccer teams have never practiced over winter break mainly because of the difficulty of getting the players together. Even though the teams did not meet together, players worked out individually by running, swimming, and playing pickup games.

“We have never practiced over break,” communications sophomore Zachary Stoloff said. “I don’t think we need to, either. I believe break is a good time to rest but to also improve on your own. It’s a personal responsibility for individuals to practice themselves and keep their fitness levels up during break. If someone doesn’t practice individually or keep in shape then they’ve fallen behind those who have and they are now at a disadvantage.”

Players on both soccer teams did not let the lack of break practices stop them from playing soccer on their own time. Some players met to practice and play pickup games to ensure they are in shape to finish the season strongly.

“I [wanted] to practice over break as a whole unofficial team but we all have to understand that it might be harder than others for us to all meet in one spot,” communications sophomore Annika Thommes said. “It would definitely help us improve our chemistry as a team. Over break to keep in shape I [practiced] running three miles every night and getting a bunch of friends and players from the team together to play some pickup games for a few hours.”

Practicing over break could have been an advantage for the two teams considering that many other high schools in Palm Beach continue their athletic programs over the break .

The boys basketball team planned for a session of practicing and conditioning before the break started. It was to be organized and headed by alumnus Matthew Charlton (‘15), however the plans did not work out and the team was not able to practice over winter break.

“I think that we needed to practice because a four game win streak might have gone to our heads,” communications junior Elliot Hacker said. “I don’t want us to get cocky because some of our hardest games are coming up in January.”

The boys soccer season ended on Jan. 8 in a loss against Royal Palm Beach High School. On the same night, the girls soccer team won against Royal Palm Beach high School 4-0 and will be advancing on to districts. The boys basketball team will play on the Dreyfoos home court on Jan. 11 against Highlands Christian Academy and on Jan. 13 against Somerset Canyons Academy. With the seasons coming to an end, the players and coaches feel confident that the efforts placed throughout the season will help the players finish the year out as a team, even if that meant not practicing over the break.

“We have been working a lot on chemistry and getting more comfortable with our starting positions,” Thommes said. “Especially with all of the new players and freshmen, we have really connected and gotten to know each other.”