The FHN varsity boys basketball team has had a very promising start to their current season campaign. So far this season, they have a record of 4-10 and already have more wins than four of their last five seasons and are looking to improve on their nine win season last year, their highest win total since 2014. 

The success so far has been spearheaded by North’s 6’5” center Ryan Murdock, who is averaging 17.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. FHN’s Murdock led offense is performing well this year, averaging the most points for the school in four seasons, but shooting guard Nikhil Contractor thinks the team’s focus on defense has led them to success.

“One of our main focuses is on defense, Coach [Larry] Green really implements that,” Contractor said. “More teams know we’re going to apply pressure.”

Contractor has been the team’s best outside shooter this season, averaging the most 3-pointers-per-game with two and the third best field goal percentage (min. 50 shots). He is also, like the majority of his teammates, a senior. This year’s roster is made up almost entirely of seniors, who comprise 11 of the 13 players on the team, so there’s a lot of experience on this squad. While this may be an issue for the program later down the line, for this year’s team it means one thing; chemistry.

“I feel like as a team we’re all coming together as one,” Contractor said. “Everyone works together and we’re all friends on and off the court.”