Claire Aimone ’26
Staff writer
aimonecal@akeforest.edu
The men’s basketball team is currently enjoying a positive run of form as they have just begun a two-game win streak. The team has risen above its challenges and had endured several losses earlier in the season, but is now enjoying high spirits. With this recent run of success, the players have been rejuvenated and have a renewed determination to finish the season strongly with eyes on the MWC tournament. Resilience and commitment are evident in the team’s efforts to focus on their goals, looking forward to more victories. The three captains of the college’s men’s basketball team are juniors Elijah Bull and Alex Knight, as well as senior Zach Foster.
I had the pleasure of engaging in a conversation with two of the captains, Knight and Foster, who both have been instrumental to the team’s success both in the past and present. Knight, also a standout player in the lineup, has played a key role in the team’s achievements. His remarkable average of 18.8 points per game not only showcases his scoring prowess, but also underscores his impact on the court. What truly distinguishes him is his dynamic playing style.
Foster brings a sharpshooting element to the squad. Having the team’s fifth-highest three-point percentage and a perfect free throw record, Foster’s ability to score from a variety of areas adds an exciting dimension to the offense. Knight and Foster contribute significantly to the overall strength and success of Lake Forest College’s men’s basketball team.
In a recent conversation with Knight, we discussed strategies for continuing to motivate the team amidst the two-game winning streak. His response was, “As leaders, we must continue to keep our guys confident. Playing with confidence and a mindset that we know we can win every game is huge for us and is going to be crucial for us to keep this streak going.”
On to the topic of overcoming adversity, especially during difficult periods in the season, Knight emphasized the team’s resilience. “There’s no team that doesn’t go through adversity in a season,” he said. “We hit a tough stretch, but I’d say we have a group of guys that really care about one another, which has helped us recently to come together and get some momentum.”
Foster also gave me some insight into what it’s like to be a leader from his point of view. “As a leader, I’m going to keep the team motivated by keeping great energy in practices and keeping the spirits up,” he said. “When we play as a team and are very energetic, we are going to keep winning games. Got to keep that up to keep winning.”
The team was steadfast when they faced a challenging losing streak during the season, Foster also shared.
“I’d say we stayed together during our downturn,” he said. “I don’t think we had many arguments as a team and we have stayed in high spirits because we knew that we could win games. Just had to put a full 40 minutes together to get it done and we have started to do that.”
Lastly, I touched base with Foster on what he wants the team to do to end the season on a high note. “To finish the season strong, we just need to keep playing how we are playing right now,” he said. “We are pestering teams on defense and moving the ball quickly on offense. The boys are rolling, and we will continue to with the right mindset and energy.”
The Foresters remain optimistic despite their clear challenges. They have an exciting home game coming up to determine the course of the season hosting Grinnell College on Feb. 3, at 1 p.m.
