The 9-3 boys basketball team had two losses and one win in the week students came back from winter break. On Saturday, January 2, the Pioneers suffered a 46 to 34 loss to Columbus South.

On Thursday, January 7, the Pioneers lost a tough league matchup against Buckeye Valley, 48 to 41. A week after the Pioneers’ loss to Columbus South, Alder was able to bounce back with an important 49 to 45 league win against Pleasant. When asked about the team’s recent struggles, junior guard Andrew Koenig stated, “We’ve had struggles taking care of the ball. We really want another shot at Buckeye Valley since they’re the team standing in the way of us winning the MOAC.”

As the team searches for a league title, they will rely on their defense. The Pioneers’ defense has been the backbone on the team’s success all season, allowing more than 45 points just three times all season. The upperclassmen leadership has also been a positive factor for the team’s successful season.

Koenig leads the offense for Alder, scoring over 20 points per game almost daily. Senior post Tanner Killian and junior center Trey Pugh also play a large role for the Pioneers, providing night-to-night rebounding and efficiency on both the offensive and defensive ends.