The varsity boys basketball team won their seventh consecutive Mission League Championship in a 67-64 win over Notre Dame on Feb. 5. Coming off a successful season that ended in a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state championship last year, the team now looks to defend their reputation as one of the highest ranking teams in the state and the country. With several key players graduating last year, including Trent Perry ’24 and Robert Hinton ’24, the spotlight is now on the next generation of athletes to step up and lead the team to another standout season.
Boys Basketball Program Head David Rebibo said the team’s success so far reflects their focus and preparation, but the team will continue to face adversity.
“We’re off to a great start,” Rebibo said. “But we’re always looking to improve. Every year we are looking and making changes, trying to grow and evolve with our personnel. We have some basics that are staples in our program, like defending, rebounding and sharing the ball.”
Rebibo said practices during the summer allowed the team to adjust to big losses like Trent Perry ’24 and Robert Hinton ’24.
“We haven’t made any changes really,” Rebibo said. “This is the roster we had in June, and this is who we have been working with since.”
Guard Trevon McNeely ’26 said the team is adapting well to these changes in the roster.
“It’s been a big change,” McNeely said. “They were leaders, so without them, other guys have had to step up. At first, it was tough getting used to, but we had plenty of time to figure things out. Everyone is taking on more responsibility. Players are stepping up to score and play defense.”
Rebibo said he is happy with how members of the team have stepped up to the occasion and in filling big roles, especially with new transfer and guard Joe Sterling ’26.
“Joe has been a big part of our success,” Rebibo said. “He is a gifted scorer and playmaker. He has evolved into a really good defender and he also continues to grow. Amir Jones, Dominique Bentho and Isaiah Carroll have also shown incredible growth and contributed immensely to our team success.”
McNeely said if the team maintains the effort, they have a chance at a three-peat this year.
“We’re feeling good,” McNeely said. “We’ve had some challenges, but we’re a really talented group. If we keep working as hard as we are now, we have a good chance at another championship.”
Rebibo said the team has faced extremely tough competition and has used that challenge to make themselves better and improve.
“I am happy with our growth and development throughout the season,” Rebibo said. “We have played a very tough schedule and have continued to improve, grow and succeed as a unit.” Having finished Mission League play, they will now advance to CIF group play as the top seed in pool play. The team’s next game will be against La Mirada High School on Feb. 12.
