After last year’s challenging season, the UC High Boys Basketball Team is determined to bounce back this winter.

“Last year, we didn’t do as well as we wanted to,” said Shooting Guard Drake Aguon. “We didn’t win too many games, but we kept it close in a lot of the games. We played hard, and that’s all we could really do,” he added.

Despite the hardships, the team members dedicated strong effort and also played some games that demonstrate its potential for success. “I would say the Cathedral [Catholic High] game was the best game we competed [in last year],” said Small Forward Kyle Strobbe. “The whole team played really well, and we’re all happy with our performances.”

The team encountered challenging circumstances last season and seeks to improve this year. “Last year was kind of more of a building year for us, because a lot of underclassmen [were on the team],” explained Strobbe. The team has also faced fierce competition. “We’re in the Western League. It’s really a tough league,” said Coach Terry Stonebraker.

Having reflected on its previous hardships, the team is committed to overcoming its obstacles this season. To achieve its goals, Stonebraker’s points of focus for the players this year are “working on fundamentals, working on teamwork and building some leaders.” He added, “We’re going to be really young [in players’ ages].” Thus, he aims for the team “to get better and build for the future.”

“This year, we’re optimistic about winning more games, and we have some good, young guys coming up, so hopefully they can help out,” said Aguon. The players’ motivated attitudes are likely to drive the team forward.

“We want to win more games than last season,” said Aguon. The team is determined to play its best despite its difficult league, which includes schools such as La Jolla High and St. Augustine High, according to Stonebraker. “I would say our rival schools are La Jolla [High] and Clairemont [High],” said Strobbe. The team is not backing down from its challenges.

In addition to competing well in its own league, the team is seeking a shot at CIF this year. “Goals for this year,” said Strobbe, “[include] making a run for CIF.” He added, “…Ultimately we’re going to be better this year.”

The Basketball Team is rebounding from last season and hopefully will dunk some deserving wins.