The Venice boys basketball team is laying up a strong foundation on what they hope will be a productive season and a grab at playoffs, unlike the previous year's. Last year, the team ended with an overall 12-16 and 3-8 in league.
    The boys will have a home game against Lawndale today at 4:30 p.m. in the East Gym.
    Dec. 8 was their first win of the season and Venice left ecstatic with a final of 72-51.
    On Dec. 2, in an away game against Granada Hills. Venice also left the court victorious 65-55.
    Their first game of the season was a home game, on Dec. 1 and Venice unfortunately lost with a final of 59-55.
    "This year, they enter the courts with more intense conditioning than the previous years," said Coach David Galley.
    "Also with better discipline and a better attitude," said player Daren Tooke.
    Despite a change-up on the court due to the loss of about eight  or nine seniors, team members still have high hopes for this season.
    They are lucky to have three seniors this year: Chad Tanioka, Brian Ramirez, and Jeff Levy. They know the routine because they have been on the Venice basketball team since they were freshmen. They have been involved in the game from an even younger age.
    Several juniors are ready to prove themselves as well: Steven Glaza, Marcus Anderson, and Mikale Demisse.
    On that note, a lot of players from JV moved up to varsity this season. So one of the main focuses is  "getting everyone on the varsity page," said  Glaza, who is a point and shooting guard.
    One who is expected to do well this season is Demisse. His position is                                                                                                                                                                                             shooting guard. In the previous season, while playing JV, he made the most shots, so they can expect to have a good offense.
    The games to look forward to this season will be the Fairfax game Jan. 27 and the Westchester game Feb. 3. Westchester ended last season #3 in the nation. Several players said that  since they lost to both of those teams last year, they are anxious to meet up with them once again on the court and hopefully have a different ending with Venice triumphant.