By Staff Writer: James Edwards

The Highlander boys basketball squad has opened a lot of eyes this season with some unexpected success. Led by second-year head coach Nick Simon, Howell is off to a 4-1 start in conference play. They trail Grand Blanc by one game in the division.

“We are doing exactly what we thought we would be doing at this point in the season, and we’re not surprised one bit,” says junior Deajay Klett.

That’s a good mindset to have for the Highlanders, who enter a crucial stretch of games that could decide their fate in the KLAA West, with games against Brighton and Pinckney coming up.

Their most recent win came against Hartland, giving Howell the season sweep over the Eagles. It was a solid team effort with no one player really stealing the show, something that Howell will have to continue to do if they plan on winning districts.

“Our goal from day one was to at least make the Elite Eight in the state (the final eight teams in the state playoff tournament). I think once we get there anything can happen,” says senior point guard Tyler Johnson.

Entering the final stretch of the season, Howell has a lot to reflect on. They have upset teams like state-ranked Flint Beecher, and they have defeated a highly-touted Belleville High School squad. Other than that, the Highlanders have beaten every other team in the division that they should. Their lone loss came at the hands of the Grand Blanc Bobcats, who had a shooter go 8 for 11 behind the three-point line and score 27 points.

Howell is still very confident in their ability for the rest of the year. “We plan on keeping this up for the rest of the season, getting those wins, you know, the things that can help us win that state championship,” says Klett.