Traditionally, basketball teams are built through drills and plays, but others are built through years of shared practices, bus rides, and easy laughter. For eighth graders Max Hannah, Blake Kocher, and Donald “Will” Presley, their Unity Point basketball journey started the same way it continues today — side by side, working hard, and pushing each other to be better every season.

The boys all began playing basketball in fifth grade, and as they’ve grown, their individual strengths have grown with them. Max is quick on his feet and plays point guard or shooting guard. Blake brings strength and accuracy to his roles as a shooting guard or power forward. Will often plays power forward or center, using a mix of height, calm presence, and sharp decision-making to help anchor the team. They shift positions as needed, adapting without hesitation. Together, they form the kind of trio every coach hopes for — skilled, teachable, and committed.

Seven games into the season, the team is off to a strong start. They’re competing well in their conference and sitting near the top of the standings. The boys know their record by heart, and they also know what they’re aiming for next: win conference, win regionals, and, if everything lines up, earn a shot at state.

Hosting regionals is one of their biggest goals. With tough teams like Goreville, Anna, and Cobden in the mix, they’ll need to hold that first-place conference ranking. But they like their chances. “First in the conference always hosts,” Blake explained, and the determination in their voices makes it clear they intend to stay there.

Of course, basketball at Unity Point is about more than the games. Much of what makes this team strong happens long before tipoff. When the boys talk about conditioning, they laugh the way only athletes who have survived truly grueling workouts can. “There’s so much running,” Blake said. “Over half of our practices most days.” Will agreed. “During tryouts, they really run you. Kids get tired and can’t keep up. Only the strongest survive.” It’s dramatic, but they mean it. To play at this level, stamina is essential.

Traveling adds its own challenges. Away games mean long bus rides that seem to stretch endlessly. “The bus takes forever,” Will said. What might be a forty-five-minute car ride often becomes an hour on the team bus. But they don’t complain. The support they get — especially from family — makes every mile worth it. Blake’s grandpa, Peter Gimsy, rarely misses a game. “He goes to all of them,” Blake said proudly, whether the team is playing close to home or nearly two hours away.

Outside of basketball, the boys stay just as busy. Will seems to be everywhere at once — Scholar Bowl, Brain Games, Student Council, Beta Club leadership, band, and baseball. He even coordinates volunteer hours for Beta. Blake also participates in Scholar Bowl, serves as the Beta secretary, plays percussion in the band, and plays baseball in addition to basketball. Max sticks solely to basketball, but his passion and commitment match theirs.

All three are strong academically. Will’s grades are especially high — his best grade this quarter is an impressive 111. Blake usually carries all A’s with the occasional B. Max calls himself a “high-B, low-A” student, a description that fits his steady, reliable nature.

When they talk about Unity Point, the boys light up the same way. They’ve been at the school for most of their lives — Max and Will since kindergarten and Blake since Pre-K — and they appreciate its diversity, its calm environment, and the sense of community it offers. “It’s like a little community,” Blake said. “You know everyone.” Will added that the school helps students connect with peers from many backgrounds, something he believes will matter long after middle school.

Their futures are already beginning to take shape. Max hopes to become an athlete — maybe even a quarterback. Blake dreams of going to college and possibly playing baseball. Will is interested in leadership roles and imagines himself going into business or politics someday.

But for now, they’re focused on the season in front of them — the next practice, the next game, the next chance to grow as a team. They know winning takes discipline, teamwork, and the ability to learn from every outcome. And they’re ready.

As the season continues, with tougher opponents, longer practices, and bigger crowds, one thing is clear: three eighth graders who started their journey together in fifth grade are still chasing the same big dream — to become the best version of their team and themselves.