After a 2-0 start with wins over Center Grove and Greenwood Christian Academy, Woodmen basketball looks forward to a hardy matchup against the Martinsville Artisans to stay hot.

“After a huge 76-54 win against Center Grove game one and another win at GCA, we are looking to stay hot against Martinsville. Last year we started 3-0, beating Martinsville by about 10 to be 3-0, and we are really looking to do the same this year. I am really confident we will win, we look better this year compared to last year,” junior Owen King, guard, said.

The Woodmen have focused on keeping the ball moving while on offense to prepare for the Artisans aggressive defense.

“Martinsville always plays a bit more aggressive on defense, so we have been preparing for that. We are ready to work the ball on offense to keep them on their toes. We usually do that pretty well too, so we have an advantage with that. It will also allow us to get someone open eventually to take a shot,” senior Acen Swain, guard, said.

Team chemistry is the biggest advantage in the Woodmen’s playbook.

“We have all been close friends for a really long time and only keep getting closer. I believe good chemistry can take a team further than almost anything. It gives us a huge advantage because we all know how one another plays, so we can predict each other. That allows us to play quicker, better, and smarter,” King said.

The Woodmen are known for their hard fought, tough defense.

“The last couple of years we have had a tough defense with hard defenders. Last year we had Sam Thompson, A.J. Sheets, and Ben Hommell, who always went hard and to the whistle every play. This year we have Parker Doolin, Ben, and myself to keep that tradition going. If we can play hard on defense and keep Martinsville on their feet, we have an easy shot to win the game,” junior Braden Reynolds, center, said.

The Woodmen and Artisans have a rich history in recent years, fueling a fire for the Woodmen to win the game.

“After the past couple of years, our rivalry against Martinsville has only grown. We lost to the by one score in football sectionals but we beat them in basketball last year and are looking to do that once again this year. The game is also alumni night so a win would mean a bit more than it already will,” King said.

The Woodmen take on the Artisans tonight at 7:30.