The 2024-25 season marked a remarkable turnaround for Newark Memorial Boys Basketball, as the team rewrote the narrative and set a new standard for success and culture in the program.
Key Contributors
This year’s success was truly a team effort, with every player buying into the vision and trusting one another. Leading the way were seniors Jacob Libiran, Oliver Chen, and Cristian Failla.
Jacob Libiran, our starting point guard, served as the offensive spark, knocking down critical shots that altered the course of our season.
Oliver Chen embodied the tough, gritty attitude we wanted. Always tasked with guarding the opponent’s best player, he consistently rose to the challenge.
Cristian Failla anchored us in the paint, battling physically inside and stretching the floor with his shooting. His rebounding and inside presence were vital to our success.
Season Reflection
Considering where we started, this season was nothing short of a huge success. After going 0-14 in the league over the previous two years, we finished 11-3 and claimed second place. While we believe we had the potential to make an even deeper playoff run, the pride in our progress cannot be overstated.
Defining Moments
Two key turning points shaped our season:
The Whitney Game: After a rough 1-4 start, we faced Whitney and went into halftime down by nearly 20. Instead of folding, the team emerged fearless, closing the gap to just a few possessions. This game shifted our mentality from worrying about outcomes to simply playing hard and trusting the process. We went 15-6 the rest of the way.
Midseason 3-Game Stretch: Losses and wins against Kennedy, James Logan, and Mission San Jose taught us how to manage games. After a tough loss to Kennedy, we learned to keep our foot on the gas, close out games, and overcome adversity, culminating in a thrilling buzzer-beater win over Mission San Jose.
Player Development
Sophomore Stephen Crouch showed tremendous growth throughout the season. Early on, the speed and physicality of varsity basketball challenged him, but by the end of the year, he became one of the most physical players on the floor. His future looks incredibly bright.
Overcoming Challenges
Even when injuries struck — like missing our starting point guard for two key league games — the team remained composed, embracing a "next man up" mentality and winning both contests. Resilience became a defining trait.
Senior Class Legacy
Our nine seniors brought unmatched energy, leadership, and heart to the program. Whether leading vocally or by example, they helped build a foundation that will shape Newark Memorial Basketball for years to come. Their trust and buy-in during my first year as varsity head coach meant everything.
Looking Ahead
What excites me most about the future? The people. The players, the coaches — we have a special group committed to growth. After the massive strides made in just one year, the sky’s the limit for what we can accomplish moving forward.
Where to Find Our Stats
Our season statistics can be found by contacting the Newark Memorial Boys Basketball program directly.
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