The number of students attending home basketball games has been dropping, fans and players say. Many assume that the drop is because of the lack of Friday home games.

“I think that a lot of it has to do with the fact that we haven’t had a home game,” coach Chris Davis said. “I know the kids have homework, I know they have a lot of other things to do on a Tuesday night. It’s a school night. They have to get home a little bit earlier.”

Despite the fact that this season the boys have gone 14-3, the student section has continued to shrink.

“It started with the weather and the snow days,” senior Brady Hoover said. “Everybody just kind of got in the rhythm of not coming to the games. During football season with the pep rallies, events, and homecoming we advertised the games well. I don’t think we’re doing that well with basketball.”

Hoover doesn’t play basketball but is one of the teams most vocal supporters.

“Nobody really knows or seems to care anymore,” he said. “Even though we all still support the team they just don’t go.”

The lack of students has also affected the way the players feel about the games.

“You don’t get as hyped. It just feels nice to have the people’s support when they are there. It’s a total difference [to have the student’s support]. The bigger the student section, the more emotional that it is,” junior Connor Lungwitz said.

Even though the student section isn’t as big as it used to be, the team still continues to dominate their opponents.

“It’s one of the best years that Maize has had in a while. So I’d like to see it packed whether it’s a Friday or a Tuesday,” Davis said.

Maize’s senior night will be today as they take on Salina Central at home.