Discoverer Basketball is officially off and running despite changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. These changes include frequent sanitation and limiting of crowd sizes during games. Despite this, all of the coaches are optimistic that their teams can all still have a great season.

To begin, the girls varsity Discovers have started charging their way through the season. The Discoverers are coached by David Licari again this season, who has taught at Columbus High School for 25 years. Coach Licari is excited about the season and the opportunity to work together and improve over the next three months. Coach Licari also stated that no player has overly surprised him yet, but the first four weeks of practice have gone well. When asked how this season has been changed due to the coronavirus situation, Coach Licari said, "I think we have been affected more off the court than on as far as not having team meals or team gatherings." Licari also said that his main goal for the season is to try to come as close as possible to reaching the team's potential. The varsity Discoverers already played three games this season and have started with a record of 1-2.

The JV Girls Discoverers are also off to a great start. The JV squad this year is coached by Matthew Bills. Coach Bills is also excited to see how his team can progress throughout the year and how much they can improve. Mr. Bills is also not surprised by one single girl, but says that all the girls have done a good job so far this year and are working hard. When asked how this season has been changed due to the coronavirus pandemic  Mr. Bills said, " We have had to make some changes to our schedule and had to alter some of our team activities. Also having limited fans at games changes the environment in the gym quite a bit." Some goals that Coach Bills has for the season are for the girls to improve as individuals and as a whole team. Coach Bills believe that little improvements lead to big things.

The reserve and freshman girls are off and dribbling as well. The reserve team is coached by Alex Liston, and the freshmen Discoverers are coached by Stacy Smith. Coach Liston is just excited to play this year with all the chaos and change that has been brought about by the pandemic.. Coach Liston stated, "Our reserve squad as a whole should be pretty good this year so I am excited to get our games rolling." Liston said the team has been able to operate well within the new normal due to the girls being used to wearing masks. Liston stressed that the biggest change is the lowered atmosphere due to fewer spectators in the crowd. The reserve and freshman squads have both played two games so far this season both with records of 2-0.

The boys basketball squads have launched their seasons as well. The boys varsity Discoverers have started their season with a new coach at the helm, Jordan Hitchcock. Coach Hitchcock is most excited to get to know all the players and see them grow individually and as a team. When asked if one player had stood out to him Hitchcock said, "One player doesn't really stick out, but I have been extremely pleased with the receptiveness of the team as a whole. I am really thankful for the way they get along with one another and their work ethic." Coach Hitchcock's ultimate goal for the team is to get better every day. He believes this happens when individuals make the choice to push themselves out of their comfort zone. Although the Discovers are off to a rough start at 0-3, they look to improve this record in their next games.

The younger Discoverer boys teams are excited to begin as well. The reserve team is coached by Kyle Buckingham this year. Coach Buckingham is also excited for the boys to be playing this year as the season was not guaranteed. He also said he could not pick a standout player yet, although he is very impressed with many players so far this year. Coach Buckingham said that coronavirus has already affected the squad due to the cancellation of a contest with Norfolk. Another change caused by the pandemic is that the players must spread out on the bench. Coach Buckingham's goal for the season is to improve even when losing games. The reserve team has only played one game so far and looks to be successful in future games. 

CHS Anchor News wishes luck to all Discover basketball teams this season and wishes a safe and successful season for all the students involved in Discoverer basketball.