22-9: the final regular season record for the Geneva boys varsity basketball team and the 6 win improvement from last season means the Vikings will be heading into the regional playoff tournament. Heading into the post season Geneva hopes to win games in the playoffs to improve their final record on the season and maybe bring home some more hardware after winning the mid-season tournament in Dekalb.

The end of the season wasn’t exactly what Geneva varsity head coach Scott Hennig was hoping for, but things are looking up as they get healthy and head forward.

“I would say injuries and illness have definitely had an impact over the last few games of the season, but Mick Lawrence is back after missing time, and Tanner Dixon is back after missing 3 games.” Coach Hennig said.

As Geneva sizes up Naperville Central for their first playoff game it’s important to keep in mind that for some players this is the first playoff game they’ll play in, although there have been a few regular season classics that may give some insight into what the atmosphere will look and feel like.

“Yes, we have been in a few playoffs atmosphere this season being at Batavia and at Wheaton South,” Senior Guard Tyler Quizling said. “The crowds going back and forth at the Batavia Geneva game were much like a playoff game as those games are split even with fans. The Wheaton South game was a good test of a road crowd because it was very loud and forces you to stay focused and not get distracted which was great prep for the post season.”

Playing towards the team’s strengths is something the team is trying to get back to as they prepare for the playoffs and the challenge it presents to the team.

“We play well together as a team,” senior point guard Mick Lawrence said.

As the first game of the playoffs for Geneva draws closer the team hopes to iron out some struggles they’ve had over the season.

“Lately we’ve struggled shooting the ball,” Lawrence said.

Coach Hennig is hoping Geneva can follow the same trends they’ve had all season and play strong defense to limit Naperville’s scoring.

“Our base defense is a zone, and we’ve done a really good job forcing turnovers with our full court press as well.” Hennig said.

One of the most important things for the team to succeed is confidence and mindset, Geneva is hoping to go further than a first round exit and they need to be sure of their abilities if they want to beat Naperville Central.

“I think the best way I contribute to the team is by instilling confidence in everyone else on the court, I try to get people open looks so the other team has to worry about all five players.” Mick Lawrence said.

With the stage set Geneva is going to do everything they can to push through Naperville and move into the next round of the regional playoffs.