The boys varsity basketball team ended a rough season with an overall 6-18 record and a 5-10 district record.
The boys first loss came against the Austin Panthers with a final of 43-64.
“The team responded well after the first loss,” varsity coach William Churchill said. “I was disappointed because I thought we could’ve won but it was our first game and none of us knew what to expect,” varsity captain Jose Sosa said.
After three consecutive losses the first win of the season was Nov.16, against the Parkland Matadors with a final score, 61-56.
“After the big win the boys felt a renewed sense of purpose and focus,” Churchill said.
The victory lifted the teams’ spirit.
“The team felt good after the win because all of our hard work had finally paid off,” varsity captain Steven Savedra said.
The boys went on to win two more games against the Riverside Rangers with a final score, 48-43 and against the San Elizario Eagles with a final score, 65-55.
“Last year’s team was setting records for wins,” Churchill said. “To improve, the team must learn to develop mental toughness and cut all the breakdowns.”
The expectations for the end of this season were high.
“My expectations were to finish strong and to have the guys come together and mature,” Churchill said. “My expectations for the end of this season were to make it farther than district,” returning senior Eric Valdez said.
The season had its ups and downs but that didn’t stop this team from wanting to finish strong.
“The season has been difficult due to many injuries, the boys understanding the rules and the boys developing mental toughness,” Churchill said.
The coach worked hard with the team too.
“As a coach I try everything to motivate them. From talking, to reasoning, yelling, and I joke around with them,” Churchill said.
Even though the season has been rough the boys gave it their all to stay together as a team, and as a family.
“When I see my team with their heads down I cheer them on,” varsity captain Ernesto Guzman said.