Basketball is more than just a game for this team; it is a shared commitment built on effort, trust, and the desire to win together. While every player has a different reason for stepping onto the court, the team’s identity is shaped by unity and the willingness to push through challenges as one group. Practices are intense, but they are driven by a common mindset: everyone wants to get better and reach the same goal.

The team’s motivation comes from within. During tough practices, players remind each other why they started playing basketball in the first place. Some, like Amari Shaw, were introduced to the game at a young age. As Amari explains, “When I was about six, my dad put me into basketball, and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Others, such as Quentin Pendleton and Dom Winston, grew their love for basketball through family influence and personal goals. For Quentin, improvement is always the mission, saying, “I liked basketball and want to get better.”

Meanwhile, Dom brings hunger and intensity to the group, sharing, “This team has a work ethic that’s gonna get us places if we figure everything else out.”

Coach Lacey continues to guide the group with a focus on growth and accountability. He understands success is about more than the scoreboard, explaining, “When you look at the state of the program when I took over, success will not immediately show up in wins and losses. For me, it is about how well we are competing and improving each day.” He also stresses perspective and urgency, saying, “One of the hardest things to teach in high school sports is the urgency of now.”

What truly makes this team special is its chemistry. There is a balance between focus and fun that keeps the environment positive. Practices are filled with jokes, laughter, and competitive energy, which helps build trust and connection.

Whether they are keeping things light, encouraging teammates, or bringing intensity and faith, each player contributes to a team where everyone feels supported. Mental preparation is also a major part of the team’s success. Before games, players take time to lock in through prayer, music, meditation, or simply getting focused. This helps them stay calm when the pressure rises.

This basketball team is built on more than talent. It is built on trust, faith, humor, and a shared drive to win. Together, they prove that success comes from a team moving as one.

 In basketball, there are different levels, like freshman, JV, and Varsity. Kaywone King said, “I think that everyone on my team is on my level, we are all equals and help each other to be better.”

When playing basketball, there are a lot of different skills you need to know and learn as a freshman. A freshman, CJ Givens, said, “I feel my best skill is shooting because I’m very good at it.” 

Every basketball player looks up to someone in the NBA or WNBA, not just who they are as an individual, but because they show dedication to the sport they play. Players in the NBA show that they put time, hard work, and dedication into their sport to get where they are now. A player on our JV team, Anthony Garcia, said, “I look up to Stephen Curry and LeBron James because they make a lot of good plays and good money.”

Boys basketball is important to the players, but also to the coaches. Coach Lacey, the coach for Varsity, shared some thoughts on the new players. He said, “I like the season this year, they’re good kids, and they have good time management and actually want to play, but they need to improve their behavior. The players have a study hall they must attend if they need to get their grades up. If they wish to play, they must attend.”  

Coach Lacey also talked about how he played basketball when he was in high school. He also told us about his coaches’ techniques and teachings. “My past coaches ran a strict program, so I feel like I’ve used that sort of technique to now teach the young boys that I’m coaching.” With all of Coach Lacey’s experience, we can see why he makes such an outstanding basketball coach.