Mr. Jason Delaney, head coach of the men’s basketball team, looks to continue building on the squad’s success as the second half of the season is set to begin.

Junior starting point guard Tayshawn Comer is one of the many team leaders. Comer said, “Every single player and coach on this team is fully committed towards that final goal. Everyone trusts each other and believes in each other.”

Coach Delaney had some encouraging comments about his starting point guard. He said, “He’s got everything you want in a player. He does the intangible things such as the weight room and film study, and not every kid has that.”

Comer has served in a key role for the Irish since his freshman year, when he was able to be a part of the starting five alongside Armaan Franklin, who is now playing at Indiana University. “Being able to play with such a great player in Armaan, especially so early in my career, was very special. Only being a freshman, I was able to learn many tips from him. He was a great leader and role model for me, and I hope I can have that impact on younger players now,” Comer said.

Franklin said, “Tayshawn is a great player who is only going to get better. I saw it first hand his freshman year that he can score on all three levels and is also a tremendous passer.”

Comer, as a junior, looks to lead through example based on competing for three years at the varsity level. “He’s always positive. He’ll never bring anyone down. He’s a guy who you know will put in the work and bring it every day, and our other guys can’t help but hop on board with him, and that is what brings a team together is when you’re all moving in the same direction,” Delaney said.

When Comer was asked about Delaney, he said, “He’s a great coach and a great person. Not only does he coach for us, but he looks out for us. ‘Don’t waste your opportunity,’ is a message Delaney always repeats to the team, and it’s a saying we stand by. If we get an opportunity, we’re going to take it,” Comer said.

The Irish start play in January with an 8-1 record, with the only loss to Top-10 ranked Fort Wayne Homestead in double overtime. The team defeated another Top 10 squad, Zionsville, 68-65 on Dec. 30. The Irish travel to Roncalli on Jan. 8 before returning to the Welch Activity Center on Jan. 9 to host Avon.

The Irish look to continue playing as a team together with the goal of winning a Class 4A State championship. Comer says, “It will not be easy, but we believe and know we can do it.”