As the clock ran down during the 2020 CCS championship game, the fans stormed the court to celebrate the Paly boys basketball team’s back to back CCS championship title. With high hopes going into the Norcal playoffs, and the number one seed, the Vikings season was cut short with a first round loss.

The Vikings concluded their last season with a 23-5 overall record and a perfect 12-0 league record, fulfilling the goals they had planned for, becoming CCS champs, however, was cut short with an unexpected loss. Following the season ending loss, the returning players set goals on certain aspects of the game they needed to improve for next season.

“We are looking to improve diving on the floor, making the extra pass, and shooting deeper 3’s,” Li (‘21) said.

As the plan for the 2021 season is looking to stay altered to only league games for all yellow tier sports, the team’s goal is to still capture the league title, and more specifically, enhance the smaller goals mentioned by Li. 

As six graduates left the roster, the team will look at a new starting lineup and playing format. Returning seniors include Andrew Li, Aidan Rausch, Simon Minami, Ziggy Tummalapalli, Martin Segura, and Jack Elarde.

While following all COVID-19 restrictions, the Vikings have had some preseason workouts and practices. Most workouts have been outdoors, and only a few social distanced indoor practices.

“We hope to have contact practices with masks on soon in the gym,” Li said.

As the season won’t be structured like previous ones, the Vikings strive to make the best of what is given, and for the seniors, have one last run at it.