Basketball is back! After a tough season last year, the Hilltoppers are ready to make their way back to the top.

William and Mary commit, Justin Pierce looks to lead the team to the state championship, which has not been won since 1973. Pierce believes the team has put in the time and effort to reach their high expectations.

“Our guys have put in a lot of work this off-season,” Pierce says. “It should be a successful season.”

Pierce is a senior at West and will most likely be sharing the spotlight with fellow senior, Alex Passi. Passi is just as confident as Pierce when it comes to the team’s chances of going down state.

Alex was asked about his personal expectations for the season and says he is ready to be the leader for the younger team members, and look to involve everyone on the floor.

“I expect to take on the role of  being the leader for my teammates and push them to their best” Passi says.

With a healthy starting five the Hilltoppers are full of potential. The team was able to portray their talent in the annual Glenbard Thanksgiving Tournament, where the Hilltoppers finished 3-0. The Hilltoppers have their next matchup December 2nd, facing off against South Elgin.