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Basketball
US National High School Preview Series
Wed, October 30, 2024 at 10:10 AM . California
As the new basketball season approaches, fans and supporters of Ocean View High School are eager to see what their team has in store. With a strong core of returning players and a new head coach, there is plenty of buzz surrounding the Seahawk's upcoming season. One key factor in the team's success will undoubtedly be their top returning players from last season. Caleb Kim, Ezekiel Case, and Dominic Caiazzo have been named as this year's team captains and their leadership and ability to play hard at all times will be crucial in guiding the team to success. These players possess the qualities that Coach Christopher Melton looks for in potential captains - a strong work ethic, determination, and the ability to do all the right things, on and off the court. The team will also be welcoming back Malachi Jefferson, who didn't play last year due to a broken leg. Jefferson, along with the rest of the team, will have to battle for playing time with the emergence of several new players. However, Melton is confident that the team will gel together and thrive under the leadership of the captains. One of the challenges that the team has faced in preparing for the season is availability. With only 10 players on the team, staying healthy and being available for games and practices is crucial. However, this challenge has not deterred the team's determination to succeed. Melton's coaching style differs from previous seasons as this is his first year as a head coach. But his philosophy of believing in his players and showing them the proof of what happens when they play hard and execute remains the same. The team will have a tough schedule this season, with a lineup of strong opponents and competitive tournaments. But the team sees this as an opportunity to better prepare for league play and to showcase their abilities. They have also implemented various team bonding events and training sessions with a professional trainer, with the aim of building team chemistry and improving their conditioning. The Seahawk's strength lies in their fast and aggressive defense, but they also have moments of strong shooting. However, their biggest weakness is their lack of size and ability to rebound. To address this, the team is determined to be more aggressive and physical and to box out effectively. Melton's coaching philosophy was reflected in the team's gameplay - a focus on playing hard working hard on defense, and letting the rest fall into place. The team constantly picks up full-court and communicates effectively on the court to ensure strong team defense.