After The Illinois High School Association paused winter sports due to COVID-19, the Naperville North girls and boys basketball teams are staying optimistic about the season returning by continuing to stay in shape and connected during the pause.

Last Thursday, IHSA paused winter sports temporarily due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases across the state, deeming the indoor sports to be too high of a risk. The board is set to revisit the discussion on Dec. 2. 

NNHS boys varsity basketball Head Coach, Gene Nolan, believes that his team will remain resilient in the face of the season’s difficult circumstances. He believes that his players have shown persistence when odds are stacked against them.

“Our basketball players have been inspiring to watch go through this because they have met every challenge with an incredible degree of commitment,” Nolan said.

A big challenge for the team will be staying in shape during the pause while not being with the team in-person. Senior Liam Kim thinks the team should keep working even though they might not be playing in the coming weeks.

“We have plans to make sure we stay in shape both by conditioning and strength training, and I am just going to do everything I can to keep my basketball skills up while still staying safe,” Kim said.

The NNHS girls varsity basketball team is also trying to stay connected during this pause. Sophomore Abby Drendel thinks that they will stay unified because of the bond they share on and off the court.

“Knowing all of my teammates, I know we will continue to stay close because we are like family,” Drendel said.

Although winter sports are still in jeopardy, Nolan believes his team will be ready and eager to compete.

“I don’t know if or when we are going to have a season, but if and when we do, I am confident and excited that our kids will be ready when their name is called,” Nolan said.