It’s not too late to see boys’ varsity basketball in action and watch how players have worked to build communication skills and teamwork during the 2022-2023 season.

The Crimson Tide plays Exeter at home Tuesday, Feb. 7. They play Merrimack and Manchester Memorial, also at home, on Feb. 10 and Feb. 14, then take to the road for their last two games of the regular season, playing at Windham Feb. 17 and at Salem Feb. 21.

All games begin at 6:30 p.m.

Basketball players constantly work to develop strong communication skills, often using visual cues. “Screen left,” “I’ve got your help” and “dead, dead, dead” can help teams make quick, on-court adjustments.

Talking also helps the defense coordinate its rotation. A great defense moves as one, and in order to do this, all teammates must communicate.

Communication can separate a good team from a great team. Talking helps players get on the same page and assures that everyone is working together to help the team win.

Communication is also a necessary element of teamwork, which involves working together, getting along and motivating and encouraging others.

Examples of good teamwork include helping a teammate off the floor after a fall, encouraging teammates following good and bad plays, cheering others on, having your head in the game on the bench, making nice passes to teammates open for a shot and practicing hard to push each to get better.

Doing all those things helps a team reduce weaknesses. Individual athletes improve motor coordination, flexibility, and endurance, but also speed, agility, and strength.

These skills are shown to have a positive effect on physical fitness and readiness to face any team.

This year’s Crimson Tide players have also focused effort on defense, recently using full-court and half-court pressure defenses to hold Keene to just one 3-pointer all game Jan. 3 and to create many fast break opportunities.

In that Jan. 3 game against Keene, Japhet Nduwayo was able to get some clutch free throws down, helping Concord earn its first Division I victory on the road since winning the Capital Classic holiday tournament in December.

The team’s regular season record currently stands at 4-8 with wins against Keene, Spaulding, Goffstown and Manchester Central.