Churchill Varsity Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Foundation Set for Future Glory
The 2025 season for the Churchill School and Center Varsity Basketball team was about more than just wins and losses. Under the guidance of Coach Liam Sidibe, this year was a transformative journey marked by growth, leadership, culture-building, and the emergence of an exciting young core poised to carry Churchill into a bright future.
While the team didn’t achieve every goal they set out to reach, they succeeded in creating something equally important: the foundation for sustained success.
James Avebe: Senior Star and the Standard-Setter
Every team needs a leader, and for Churchill, that player was James Avebe. A senior with immense talent and maturity, Avebe was not only the most skilled player on the floor but also the hardest working. Averaging over 26 points per game, along with 10 rebounds and 4 assists, he was the driving force on both ends of the court.
"He’s the definition of professional," said Coach Sidibe. "From day one, he led by example. He influenced our younger players with his work ethic and set the tone every day."
His leadership extended beyond the court. Avebe's ability to inspire and mentor others created a culture of excellence that is sure to linger long after his graduation. And next year, he'll take his talents to the collegiate level.
Sophomore Surge: Nico Kats, Cole Weiner, Hudson Young, and Levi Lew
Churchill's sophomore class is as talented as it is deep.
Nico Kats, in his first year at Churchill, exceeded all expectations. "He lives, breathes, and sleeps basketball," said Coach Sidibe. Known for constantly refining his game, Kats has the tools and the drive to dominate the league in the coming years.
Cole Weiner, standing at 6'6", is another sophomore phenom. A skilled player who transformed his game to suit the team’s needs, Weiner proved his versatility and commitment. "He started as a guard in last year's championship run," said Coach Sidibe, "but reinvented himself to fill a new role and did it exceptionally well."
Hudson Young, the smallest player on the roster, had a big impact. Shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, Young was the league's best shooter, and his defense was equally impactful.
Levi Lew, a team captain, showed poise beyond his years. With deadly three-point shooting and ice-cold composure, Lew embodied leadership and consistency. "He doesn’t get rattled," Coach Sidibe said. "He’s completely bought into what we’re building."
Season Reflections: Disappointment, Progress, and Culture-Building
From a win-loss standpoint, Coach Sidibe admits the season was "disappointing." Not because of effort or dedication, but because the team came up short of its high goals.
Still, this was a rebuild year following a league championship and state tournament appearance. With a roster full of underclassmen, the focus shifted to development. What emerged was a tightly knit team, fully committed to growth.
"We laid the foundation this season," said Coach Sidibe. "Our team chemistry and attitude were incredible. We watched a film, lifted weights, ran cardio, and practiced hard. That work is going to pay off."
Role Development: Growth Stories from Roman Tarlow, Finn, and Manu
Several players grew into key roles over the season. One was Roman Tarlow, who made the team through sheer effort and heart. "He’s not the most talented, but his presence is irreplaceable," said Coach Sidibe. "He leads from the bench, encourages his peers, and understands the team dynamic better than anyone."
Finn is another rising contributor, known for his tireless work ethic and professionalism. "He keeps his composure and works hard even when things don’t go his way," said Coach Sidibe.
Manu, a multi-sport athlete, demonstrated his raw athletic potential and total buy-in to the team’s mission. "When he locks into one sport, it’s scary how good he can be," Coach Sidibe noted.
Learning from Losses
This season had its share of adversity. Pressure games against York (an overtime heartbreaker), BWL, and LREI didn’t go Churchill's way.
"We struggled in high-pressure moments, and that’s a reflection of our youth and inexperience," said Coach Sidibe. "But we learned from it. We know where we need to grow."
That mindset is crucial for a team on the rise.
The Legacy of Leadership: James Avebe and Henry
The senior class may have been small, but their impact was profound. James Avebe set the tone with his performance and leadership, while Henry, a quieter presence, led by example.
"Once I punished a few players by making them do stairs," Coach Sidibe recalled. "Henry wasn’t one of them, but he came up to me and said, 'If they’re doing it, I’m doing it.' That’s who he is.
The Future is Bright
Looking ahead, Coach Sidibe is optimistic. "This program is coming," he declared.
The loaded sophomore class is only getting better. A new athletic director has revitalized school support for sports. And a dedicated coaching staff—including teachers, students, and alumni—is fostering a strong culture.
Churchill, a school that serves students with learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD, is proving that academic challenges do not limit athletic excellence
"We want to put Churchill Sports on the map," said Coach Sidibe, who shares those learning differences himself. "We’re building something powerful here."
Offseason Focus
The goal this offseason? Improve mental toughness, game IQ, and response to adversity. Churchill knows what it needs to work on, and there’s no doubt the players and coaches will put in the hours.
Stats for the team can be obtained directly by contacting Coach Sidibe or the school’s athletic director.
Final Thoughts
This season may not have ended with a trophy, but it ended with something just as valuable: belief. Coach Liam Sidibe and his team know they are on the cusp of greatness. They have talent, heart, leadership, and an unshakable commitment to improvement.
Churchill basketball is no longer just a team in a league—it’s a rising program with a mission.
And they’re just getting started.
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