Trying to bounce back from a disappointing season last year, the UC High Boys Basketball Team looks to have a successful season this year and prove to the school that they are indeed ready for a fresh start and a winning culture by training hard in the off season.
“The team’s goals this year are to create some stronger team chemistry and to get some good wins,” said Forward Clay Adams. The team’s main goal is to become closer on and off the court. Adams explained that the team lacked chemistry last year, which in turn lead to a 2-23 season. Adams said that for this season, that would have to change in order for the team to win games. “We like to go out for team lunch, which helps us bond off the court,” said Adams. “Our team hopes to continue this tradition to raise team chemistry.”
“We are in a new league this year, which gives us a great chance to have a winning season,” Adams explained.
   Last year the boys were in a tough league, consisting of three of the top five teams in the county. The Centurions will be shifting to the Central League this year with some easier competition according to the boys on the team.
According to Senior Point Guard Alex Bruce, La Jolla High was the biggest rival last year. “Every game we played against them it came down to the last couple of plays,” said Bruce. He added that it was heartbreaking to lose in such a close game twice.
Due to moving to the new league, there are now new rivals as well. “Point Loma is our new rival,” said Guard Luke Mcknight. The last time the two faced off was last year when UC High played at Point Loma High and the Centurions lost by one point in the final game of the season.
“Our overall goal is to play better as a team through basketball, and to play solid defense from transition to offense,” said. Mcknight. “Our team lacks tall players so we need to beat them with speed.” With a lot of returning players, one may predict that the Centurions will need to rely on their speed, defense, and three-point shooting rather than height or rebounds.
With the possibly easier schedule ahead of them, many players are excited to win some games, although one player had a different approach. “I am most excited to play Point Loma, because they are our best competition,” said Mcknight.
With the season fast approaching in November, all the players are finding ways to prepare on their own. “Open gym is a good way to get ready for the season as well as going to the gym on my own time,” said Mcknight.