By Jules Cantor ’11, Sports Section Editor

There is an athletic team at Cincinnati Country Day School with an undefeated record that hardly anyone knows exists. No, I’m not talking about the varsity dance team, but rather the senior boy’s recreational basketball team. Through six games, the team holds an untarnished 6-0 record, achieved through teamwork, hustle, and mostly fun.

The team, coached by Randy Cantor, got off to a fast start. In their first two games, they won by scores of 30-22 and 50-10 against Mason and Lakota, respectively. Tyrique Wilson had 15 points against Mason and added five more against Lakota. Greg Dick collected five rebounds in the Mason win, and Mac McKee picked up a clutch steal in the 4^th quarter of the same game. Andrew McElhinney led the way against Lakota with 14 points. However, both games were won because of strong team play. In fact, in the Lakota game, every player on the roster scored at least once.

Since then, the team has not skipped a beat. They’ve pulled out wins in each of the past four games by scores of 37-24 at Mason, 29-27 at Kings, 46-37 at Glen Este, and by way of forfeit against Milford. Against Mason, Wyatt Tiffany had eight points, while Devin Sutton added five of his own. At Kings, McElhinney was the go-to-guy with nine points, while Tiffany had eight, and Alex Meixner had two. Additionally, Michael Fitzgerald played an impeccable game defensively. At Glen Este, Jules Cantor had 14 points, McElhinney added 12, George Drew had four, and Grant Hesser had multiple key rebounds in the victory.

Wilson explained that the best part about playing “rec” ball is that, “We’re sweeping through the league undefeated.” He added, “What better way to spend a Saturday night then ‘hooping with my friends in Glen Este!” Tiffany expressed similar sentiments. “I’m enjoying messing around with my friends and winning,” said the senior. “I’m glad to be reconnecting with kids I might not necessarily have before graduating.”

While the team is in fact enjoying a lot of early success, the main incentive in the creation of the team was to have a lot of fun, and that is precisely what is ensuing. Coach Cantor commented, “This experience is about the guys enjoying themselves, and I’ve enjoyed bonding with them… The fact that we’re 6-0 makes it fun too.” Multiple members of the team have commented on how perfect the rec system is for them.  The members of the team get a chance to play organized, competitive basketball, without the time commitment of practice everyday and the winter break travel commitment. For those who love to play basketball, but simply don’t have time to devote their entire winter to the sport, the team has proved to be a great option.

The team has five more games, including home games on February 12^th, 20^th, and 27^th.  The ultimate goal is to “run the table,” and emerge as Cincinnati Area Youth Basketball League Varsity Rec league champions.

Photo by Ilana Habib ’11, Photography Section Editor