Boys Basketball to Face Exeter For First Time This Season

Winning five out of its last seven games, Andover Boys Basketball looks to carry its winning ways into its game against Phillips Exeter Academy on Saturday during Andover/Exeter Weekend.

Exeter is a formidable opponent this year, with a record of 15-5, compared to Andover’s 13-10 record.

Having lost two years in a row at Andover/Exeter, the team will look to come out strong and utilize its home-court advantage to gain an energy boost, according to Co-Captain Dallion Johnson ’20.

“We’ve got to come out attacking first. We cannot let them dictate our success. We have to punch them in the mouth and make them uncomfortable. We have to show them that this is our house and we’re ready to fight,” said Johnson.

Heading into the weekend with a three-game winning streak, Andover will focus on maintaining a winning attitude, according to Johnson.

Johnson continued, “We have to play hard all of the time. The whole game, not just one half… We definitely have to play our hardest. We have to play together and communicate with each other. We need very few mistakes. But mainly, we have to make the winning plays.”

According to Johnson, this will also be a special game for the team’s Seniors, who may be playing their last basketball game at Andover.

“It’s my last home game ever. It’s my last A/E day. It’s my Senior year. It could be the last high school basketball game I ever play. So I have to make the most of it. It has to be memorable. I’ve got to give it my all. No plays off. Have to do whatever it takes to win,” said Johnson.

Andover will face Exeter at home at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday.