Should Boys' and Girls' DHS Basketball Teams Share Same Stage?

Deerfield High School set up their varsity girls and boys basketball match-ups against Glenbrook North this year as back to back varsity games at the same location. The first matchup occurred Dec. 7 at DHS and the rematch games will be at Glenbrook North Jan. 25.

Typically, the Warriors play the same schools in both boys and girls basketball on the same dates with the girls playing at one school and the boys playing at the other. But there is certainly something to be said for the varsity teams playing back to back games at the same school on the same night.

CAMARADERIE

While the varsity boys and girls basketball teams both likely spend a lot of time practicing and travelling as a team, they likely don't spend much time with the "other" varsity. Often they will practice in separate gyms, play games at different schools—they don't get the opportunity to spend time with or cheer on their "other."

By having the girls and boys team travel together, it gives the players a chance to get to know one another, cheer each other on and develop a camaraderie among these teams.

SHARING A STAGE

While I have not attended too many DHS basketball games, I believe that most of the varsity boy’s games are typically better attended than the girls. By setting these contests up back to back, not only do the teams get to cheer each other on, but the girls’ team can have a larger audience, have the chance to grow their following and gain more support.

The ability for both squads to share one stage in one night is a great opportunity for both teams.

MIXING IT UP

During the course of any sports season, between practices and games, student-athletes tend to become completely caught up in their season-as they should. That is part of the fun of being a student athlete, becoming completely absorbed in the team.

Mixing up the schedule and bringing the two varsity teams together at different points throughout the season, adds a whole new dimension to their games.

The players likely want to play well in front of their fellow team, maybe show off a bit, providing some added motivation in the midst of a busy season. By mixing up the schedule, the GBN vs. DHS series adds a new dimension to each of these teams.

While many sports for girls and boys are in different high school seasons, like soccer, tennis and swimming, I applaud the athletic directors at Glenbrook North and Deerfield who have taken the steps to purposely connect the varsity basketball schedules at their high schools. I think the benefits of doing this on an annual basis are endless.

Don't miss the second matchup Jan. 25 at Glenbrook North. Girls tip-off at 6 p.m., boys at 7:30. Best doubleheader around.

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