Ben Holt College Prep Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Year of Grit, Growth, and Promise
As the 2024-2025 basketball season wraps up, Ben Holt College Prep’s varsity team reflects on a year filled with hard work, valuable lessons, and undeniable potential. Head Coach Austin Allen, in his role leading the team, shared insights into the season’s highs and lows, the key players who made a difference, and the bright future awaiting this program.
Leadership and Key Contributors: Samson Helsby Leads the Way
At the heart of Ben Holt’s season was the outstanding leadership and performance of Truc Huynh Samson Helsby. Described by Coach Allen as “by far our leader,” Samson was a dominant presence on the court who excelled in every statistical category.
More than just a high scorer or top rebounder, Samson was a “coach on the floor,” guiding teammates, setting the tone, and embodying what it means to lead by example. His ability to inspire and direct his team helped keep the Trojans competitive in many tough matchups throughout the year.
A Season of Ups and Downs: Strong Start but Tough Finish
Coach Allen characterized the season as a mix of promise and frustration. “We started off hot,” he said, but the team faced challenges that led to losing a few winnable games down the stretch.
Ultimately, Ben Holt ended the season with a winning record but fell short of qualifying for the state playoffs. Despite this, the team “played hard in our last game,” demonstrating resilience and commitment to finish strong.
Defining Moments: The Grueling Stretch that Tested the Trojans
One pivotal challenge was the demanding schedule. The team played eight games in just twelve days, a taxing stretch that left players physically banged up and mentally exhausted.
Coach Allen pointed out that during this intense period, the team lost some games they believed they should have won. The fatigue and injuries that accumulated made it difficult to maintain peak performance, which impacted the team’s momentum.
Emerging Stars: Brandon Cortes’ Defensive Prowess
As the season progressed, some players stepped up and expanded their roles on the team. One such standout was Brandon Cortes, who earned recognition as a defensive stopper.
Brandon’s defensive tenacity and ability to disrupt opponents became a key component of the Trojans’ identity. Additionally, he began to make notable contributions on offense, showing versatility and growth that excited the coaching staff.
Overcoming Adversity: A Family That Stuck Together
In spite of injuries, losses, and pressure-packed moments, Ben Holt’s players displayed unity and grit. “We stuck together as a family,” said Coach Allen, highlighting the strong team chemistry and support system that helped the Trojans navigate tough situations.
The senior class, in particular, played a crucial role in keeping the team grounded and focused. Their leadership ensured the team “got back on track” whenever they faced setbacks.
Seniors: The Backbone of Ben Holt’s Program
This year’s seniors brought invaluable energy and leadership, serving as the backbone of the team. Their experience and dedication were pivotal during times of adversity, and their influence helped cultivate a culture of accountability and resilience.
Coach Allen emphasized that the seniors’ contributions went beyond the stat sheet—they modeled the attitude and work ethic that younger players could emulate moving forward.
Looking Forward: Excitement for Returning Talent
With the season concluded, Coach Allen is optimistic about the future. He’s especially eager to see how returning players Asa Gonsalves and Samson Helsby will step into larger leadership roles next season.
These players represent the core around which the Trojans will build. Their continued development promises to elevate Ben Holt’s competitiveness in the coming years.
Offseason Goals: Building Chemistry and Unity
Heading into the offseason, the focus is clear: building chemistry among the “new set of guys.” The coaching staff is dedicated to fostering better teamwork and cohesion, which will be critical for success as the roster evolves.
Coach Allen recognizes that individual skill is only part of the equation; how well the team works together will ultimately define their achievements.
Tracking Progress: Stats and More
For fans and supporters wanting to follow the Trojans’ stats and game updates, all information is available on MaxPreps, the go-to resource for high school sports data.
Conclusion: A Season to Build On
Though the 2024-2025 season did not culminate in a playoff berth, Ben Holt College Prep’s varsity basketball team demonstrated tremendous heart and determination. Under Coach Austin Allen’s leadership, the program has laid a solid foundation built on leadership, defense, and unity.
With key players returning and a renewed focus on team chemistry, the Trojans are poised for a brighter future. The challenges faced this season have only strengthened their resolve, setting the stage for a potential breakthrough in 2025-2026.
The journey continues — and the best is yet to come for Ben Holt College Prep basketball.
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