Student sections as we know it play an important role in the energy of a game. The enthusiasm from students in the stands contribute to the playing, adrenaline, and overall rush that athletes feel when competing against their opponent. When competing at home games, athletes still have the pressure to play and perform their best, but with the comfort of home field, turf, and court, boosting their confidence.

“We assume that tough home crowds, led by insane student sections, do more to affect outcomes than any other factor,” said ESPN.

 However it seems the energy of student sections differ from each sport, giving certain sports more attention than the others. In spite of that, a group of students at SJHHS have created an Instagram account mirroring the verified and wildly known Barstoolsports account known for posting sports clips, news, and vlogs. The group of students created their own version of that geared to encourage students to show up specifically to basketball games and grow their student section. 

The group of students, mainly football players, were inspired by a team in Texas that had a similar instagram account that heavily contributed to their turnout. Members of the account and football player, Chase Mason (12) says,

“[The goal is to] rally people to go to the games,” said Mason. 

The sjhhsbarstool account now consistently posts clips and encouraging posts motivating any student to come and show their support. The majority of posts create themes for each basketball game adding more of a fun effort and motivation for stallions to come and cheer on their team. 

“Last year at the basketball games there were only like 20 to 25 people even at home games,” said Mason.  

Since the instagram account has been up, the SJHHS basketball student section has greatly increased in numbers, participation, and support. 

“Yea for sure…we had like 300 people at the Tesoro games so it was probably one of the biggest student sections we’ve had,” said Mason. 

One clip that was posted from the sjhhsbarstool account got featured and reposted on @ballislife, an account with 8.4 million followers posting all things related to basketball. The clip showed stallion Cooper Lee (12) shooting a trick shot against opponent Mater Dei High School.

Currently the SJHHS boys basketball team is still in season and you can attend them and be a part of the growing support. 

For more information, follow @sjhhsbarstool on instagram!