The Wildcats had their home opener Nov. 6 against the Tahlequah Tigers. Many of the students have been anticipating basketball season and cheering on the Wildcat and Lady Wildcat basketball teams.

But no one expected the student section that showed up for the pre-season, benefit game against the Tigers.

“The student section was awesome,” said senior center Alex Rice. “It was great to see so many come out and support us this early in the season.”

The loud student section is a mere symbol of the Wildcats’ hopes and optimism for this upcoming season. Both varsity teams finished last season with losing records. The Wildcats were 8-18 overall, 2-19 in conference action; the Lady Wildcats were 7-15 overall and 3-7 in conference.

“We hope to improve our execution and team chemistry,” said Rice. “As the season progresses, I can see our team chemistry helping us win some close games.”

The Wildcats showed their eagerness to have a more successful season after jumping out with an early lead and a 3rd quarter run that put the Wildcats up by 15 points.

The Tigers quickly followed it with a run of their own and closed the lead to only 3 points with 44 seconds left in the game. But the Wildcats were able to close the game and won 68-65. Rice led the Wildcats with 25 points.

The Lady Wildcats went back-and-forth with the Lady Tigers for much of the game. But after several costly turnovers and fouls in the 4th quarter, they lost their lead and fell 52-60.

The Lady Wildcats were led by junior point guard Sam Weber. Weber controlled the ball and the pace of the game throughout the majority of the game. She contributed a team-high 16 points.

“It felt good to start off my first game of the year with 16 points,” said Weber, “but it felt even better to be back on the court again playing a game with my teammates.”

Despite losing their first game, the Lady Wildcats feel as if they didn’t perform at their best.

“I’m very excited for this upcoming season,” said Weber. “Everyone has been working so hard and we have a good chance to win the state tournament this upcoming season.”

The Wildcats and Lady Wildcats continue non-conference play Nov. 20 against the Farmington Cardinals.