Dating back to Dec. 2 of last year, the men’s basketball team has lost only one game at home, a recent 49-52 loss against Hamilton Southeastern.

According to Michael Volovic, varsity starter and senior, home court advantage is really important.

“Being able to celebrate with fans and having everyone there really gives energy that isn’t present at away games,” Volovic said.

Volovic said, “I think in a way you want to play better in front of all your peers; you play in front of a lot of your fans at home.”

Home-court advantage may play a role in the upcoming  men’s basketball Sectional tournament with Carmel hosting it this year on Tuesday. The process that determines which schools host Sectional games is decided by a poll of all the schools in the Sectional. These recommendations go through to the IHSAA, which reviews them to make sure the recommended school can properly host a tournament game (if they have enough seating or parking), according to Assistant Athletics Director Bruce Wolf.

Along with the upcoming Sectional tournament, the team has a game today at home against Brebeuf.

Hosting a game can have many advantages for the home team’s players because of the familiarity they have with their surroundings, according to Wolf.

Scott Heady, head coach of the men’s basketball team,  said he agrees with Wolf, adding that fan support also plays into home court advantage.

Heady said, “I know here we have great fan support. Winning helps and obviously as you go through the season, if you’re having good years, you’ll have more people come and see you play. I think for the most part that here and every place I’ve been, (playing at home) definitely is an advantage.”

However, Wolf said basketball has fewer home game advantages than other sports because the court doesn’t differ from school to school.

Wolf said, “(The court) has the same length, same width, same hardwood surface with wax and a finish on it, and 10-foot goals and glass backboards. However, sports such as football can be played on turf one week and grass on the next week, which factors in to home court advantage.”

According to John Lampe, varsity quarterback and junior, home court advantage is important because whenever you’re down or in a slow point, crowd involvement can be a big momentum swing, and football is a game of momentum.

Lampe said, “It’s more relaxing (at home games) knowing that there’s a big crowd there to support you. You’re also more familiar with the field at home. Knowing how far you’re away from the sideline or something like that can really help.”

Heady said, “I’d much rather be playing (at home) rather than anywhere else. We’ve been really good at home and I know our fan support will be great.”

According to Heady, with the men’s basketball team’s schedule, it doesn’t really matter sometimes if it plays at home or away. The team has to play well, or there’s a chance that it won’t win.

Wolf said, “I don’t think there are any drawbacks for hosting any level of a tournament for our own teams or kids. I think we perform as well or better at our own venue as we would somewhere else. There are more advantages to hosting than disadvantages and the disadvantages would be few if  any.”