logo
Basketball
US National High School Preview Series
Sun, November 3, 2024 at 06:11 AM . California
Mount Miguel High School's basketball team is gearing up for what looks to be a promising season, with high hopes of winning the Grossmont Hills league and the Division 3 CIF championships. We sat down with Coach Jimmy Hurst to get a preview of the team and what fans can expect this year. When asked about the top returning players from last season, Coach Hurst mentioned Braylin Cardwell, Juan Corona, and occasionally Hamad Elhamad. These players have shown leadership on and off the court, making them special in the eyes of their coach. Cardwell, in particular, is known for his defensive skills and will be relied upon to handle the ball more this year. On the other hand, Corona is a strong presence in the post, dominating the boards and playing tough defense. Elhamad, while inconsistent, has the potential to contribute solid rebounding and scoring for the team. But it's not just the returning players that have Coach Hurst excited. He also mentioned new player Jamell Willey as someone who will make an immediate impact on the team. Willey is a versatile player who can score, defend, and handle the ball well. Eric Epps and Jaidyn Landers are also players to watch out for, as they have shown improvement and have the potential to make a big impact on the team. When talking about building team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Hurst highlighted the importance of a player who can lead by example and be vocal when needed. While the team has yet to decide on team captains, Coach Hurst mentioned that players like Epps, Landers, and Jerome Radcliff have shown qualities that make them potential leaders on the team. As for motivation, Coach Hurst believes that it's not his job to push the players, but rather for them to motivate themselves. The coaching staff focuses on being positive, getting to know the players on a personal level, and building trust with them. They are also more concerned with the players' growth as individuals, on and off the court, rather than just winning games. This approach has helped the team develop a strong bond and work towards a common goal. Preparing for this season has had its challenges, as the team is quite young and has many new players. However, Coach Hurst and his staff have been working hard to develop consistency in effort, intelligence, and team cohesion.