After last year’s success on the freshman boys’ basketball team, sophomore Sam Paulsen makes the leap to varsity. Paulsen happens to be the only sophomore on the team, making him the youngest varsity player.

“It’s a change from last year,” Paulsen said. “But I like it because it’s more of a challenge. The only big difference is the level of completion.”

Paulsen has made the transition, but it is a little strange since the rest of his teammates from last year on the junior varsity team.

“They really don’t talk about it much, but they are being supportive,” Paulsen said.

Although Paulsen has yet to make the same impact as he did on last year’s freshman team, he still feels the early experience will help him in the long run.

“It will help me when there is a challenging task at hand,” Paulsen said. “I’ll be able to handle situations better.”

Paulsen, who is 6’2” and plays guard, is looking forward to district which started Dec. 20 at Dripping Springs with a 62-55 win. The Raiders’ second district game is at home against Leander, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m.

“We have a really good chance of winning district this year,” Paulsen said.