After a rough season last year, the Beaver Area boys basketball team looks to redeem themselves.

These past two seasons have been rough for the Bobcats with a combined record of 15–34, (7–15 overall just last season competing in 4A). However, with some veteran players and plenty of talent all around, in a year full of losses, they are hoping this season will come out to a win.

Without a doubt, COVID has affected everything and everyone in more ways than one. This includes having to wear masks while at practice and during games for players, coaches, and officials.

Even though wearing masks may be difficult for many, all know this inconvenience is necessary for a season to take place.

“We don’t like having to wear our masks while playing because we have difficulty breathing. We also are behind other schools because we started [practicing] later than them [due to COVID restrictions],” explained sophomore point guard and shooting guard Josiah Santiago.

The Cats have a tough section this year. Santiago believes that Lincoln Park Performing Arts School is their biggest competition.

LPPAS made it to the WPIAL class 3A finals last year where they then made it to the Elite Eight in the state tournament before COVID put an end to all tournament play. LPPAS has been bumped up to the Bobcats’ 4A section for this season.

The Cats will tip off their season tomorrow when they face the Laurel Spartans on the road in a non-section match-up.