After last season’s 17-6 overall record and 10-1 Mission League record that placed them first overall in the league, the boys basketball program looks to build on momentum in their approaching winter season. 

The team’s 2020-2021 season was postponed to spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After their top finish in the Mission League last year, the team advanced to the CIF-SS Division I Regional Playoffs but lost 56-65 to Saint John Bosco High School. 

Reflecting on the shorter offseason, wing Santi Hernandez ’23 said he thinks each player worked to improve their individual skills and strength, which she believes has allowed the team to focus on improving their cohesive play during practices.

“The raw talent and athleticism [of every player] is one of [our] greatest strengths,” Hernandez said. “We are very competitive, so every practice, we are competing to make each other better.” 

Forward Jacob Huggins ’23 said he thinks the talent of the program’s underclassmen combined with the leadership of returning players and the work they put in during the offseason will allow the team to return stronger than last year.

“We [have] a lot of new talent coming in this year and the players who are returning have worked really hard over the summer and are ready to accept new roles,” Huggins said. “We also played [preseason games] over the summer, and I believe that always [makes] us better.”

With five seniors, the majority of the 13-person roster is composed of younger and first-time varsity players. Huggins said this year’s roster is more close-knit, which he said will serve them well moving forward. 

“One of our major strengths is our chemistry,” Huggins said. “The team is always together, laughing and making jokes, and I think that bond helps us a lot once we get on the court.”

The team’s season begins with a match against South East High School in the Santa Monica Tournament at Santa Monica High School on Nov. 15. With the date of their first game approaching, Hernandez said he is concerned that recent injuries will affect the team early in the season but is confident they will be able to push through. 

“The only weakness [the team has] right now is that a lot of our players are hurt, so we are low on numbers,” Hernandez said. “However, everyone returns to play soon and once they do, we will be prepared to win games and put on a show.”

The team plays its first league game on Jan. 5 against Chaminade High School.