As the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) sectionals approach, the Fishers Tigers varsity basketball team prepares to compete with the hopes of advancing to regionals.  

The Fishers Tigers varsity team are currently ranked first in the state and 18th in the country, with an undefeated season so far.  

“I feel like we’re going to be pretty good [at sectionals]” senior guard Torey Breland said. “We’re best in the state and we prepare our best, so I think we’re going to be good.” 

Different players use a variety of strategies to prepare for games. Torey Breland listens to music, while his brother, freshman guard Tristan Breland goes for a different approach. 

“I prepare for my games through either meditating a little while or praying,” Tristan Breland said. 

The Breland brothers have a unique relationship on the court, because of their bond. This season will be Torey Breland’s last before he graduates, while Tristan Breland is getting started as a freshman on varsity.  

“My favorite part on the court with my brother is being able to be together on that floor,” Tristan Breland said. “As a younger brother, I look up to him and I love him so much. He always gives me advice about basketball. It’s such a blessing.” 

Both brothers report not looking forward to playing Carmel High School in sectionals. Their latest game against the Greyhounds was their closest game yet, with the score ending at 53-50. 

“I know our coach doesn’t really like Carmel; [there is] a bit of a rivalry there,” Tristan Breland said. “But we have to do what we do, play our game, not be anxious because of the crowd and demolish them.” 

There are many components to successfully winning games, but senior power forward Ethan Hillsman attributes it to team chemistry. 

“Last year, I was on a team that was super talented, but we didn’t win a lot of games because we didn’t have chemistry,” Hillsman said. “You got to trust each other and be a family.” 

Sectionals start on March 3 and end on March 7.