By Jon Haslam ([email protected])

The men’s varsity basketball team has finished out its winning season as is now competing in the Sectional tournament. During the regular season, the team remained successful, with only two losses, one against Warren Central and the other one against Lafayette Central Catholic. Currently the team sits at Number 3 in the state as it continues play in the Sectional tournament, with second-round action on Feb. 29 set to tip-off at 6 p.m. at the Eric Clark Activities Center. In that game, Carmel will face Hamilton Southeastern, a team Carmel beat 87-57 on Jan. 26.“It is important to not lose focus for games,” Head Coach Mark Galloway said. “We have to take it one game at a time.”The team won its first Sectional game against Zionsville on Feb. 26, 56-49. If Carmel doesn’t win its game Feb. 29, the final Sectional game will take place on March 1 at 7:30 p.m. However if Carmel wins, it will play on Monday night to allow fans to attend the women’s basketball State Championship game at 8 p.m. at Conseco Fieldhouse on Saturday. Regional competition will take place on March 8 at 10 a.m. at Southport . Following the Regional game is the Semistate (March 15) and State (March 22).Much like Galloway, players said they agree that it is important to keep winning and not look too far down the roadDaniel Moore, point guard and senior, said that the Sectional championship means a lot to him.“Being a senior and having the tournament here makes the games a little more personal,” Moore said.Moore has had a successful season both from team and individual standpoints. Not only did the team have a winning record under his leadership, but Moore also set the school record for most assists in a game against Pike, with 15.“It’s a lot of fun playing for such a successful team especially during my senior year,” Moore said. “We play really well together, and have good chemistry on the court.”Moore said he looks to continue basketball in college, but for now remains focused on the challenges that lie ahead.