Burbank High Boys Basketball: A Breakout Season Marks a New Era Under Coach Eshleman
The 2025 winter season marked a turning point for the Burbank High School boys basketball program. Under the guidance of Head Coach Steve Eshleman, now in his second year at the helm, the Bulldogs exceeded expectations, hitting the 20-win milestone and earning a coveted spot in the CIF Southern Section postseason playoffs.
It was a season defined by growth, team unity, and a glimpse of the bright future ahead for a program that is quickly gaining momentum.
Building Momentum
From the start, Coach Eshleman and his staff believed that the foundation they had laid in the summer and fall would pay dividends come winter. “We felt we had a great summer/fall leading up to the season,” Eshleman noted. That preparation translated to on-court success and a cohesive unit that played with purpose from the opening tip.
A 20-win season is a milestone for any high school team, but for Burbank, it was a statement. The team not only improved from previous years, but did so in a fashion that underscored a cultural shift—one centered around work ethic, discipline, and trust.
Key Contributors and Team Chemistry
The 2025 Bulldogs thrived on balanced contributions and team-oriented play, but one name stood out: Kevin Dehbashian.
Dehbashian, the team’s offensive leader, averaged 20 points per game and proved to be a difference-maker in tight matchups. His scoring ability, consistency, and leadership were central to Burbank’s success throughout the season.
“Kevin led the way at 20 points per game,” Eshleman said. “But it was a solid team effort all season.” While Dehbashian was the go-to scorer, the supporting cast delivered in key moments, showing depth and resilience across the roster.
The team’s chemistry—built during those offseason months—manifested in their ability to move the ball, defend collectively, and support one another during tough stretches of the season.
Surpassing Expectations
Heading into the 2025 campaign, expectations were measured. It was only Coach Eshleman’s second season, and while the groundwork had been laid, many viewed the Bulldogs as a program still in transition.
But the players had other plans.
With poise and energy, the team surpassed expectations, putting together one of the best seasons in recent memory. The CIF playoff berth was a milestone, but perhaps more importantly, it signaled that Burbank was no longer a team in rebuilding mode—it was a team on the rise.
“Qualifying for the CIF Southern Section postseason was a huge accomplishment for us,” Eshleman said. “It’s a testament to how hard these guys worked.”
Leadership from the Top
Success on the court often begins with leadership off it, and for Burbank, that leadership came from its senior class.
“They provided great leadership,” Eshleman said simply—but powerfully. Whether it was setting the tone in practices, maintaining focus during tough games, or mentoring younger teammates, the senior group led by example.
Their presence was instrumental in establishing the standards and culture that Coach Eshleman is working to build. As he noted, “It’s about more than wins and losses—it’s about building something sustainable.”
A Promising Future
With the 2025 season in the books, the Bulldogs aren’t content to simply look back—they’re focused on what lies ahead.
Coach Eshleman expressed genuine excitement about the team’s future, especially given the core of young talent returning for next season. “It will be our third season at Burbank,” he said, “and we have a great core of young players returning.”
That continuity and experience will be critical as the team looks to build on its success and make even deeper playoff runs. The returning players now have postseason experience under their belts and know what it takes to compete at a high level.
While Coach Eshleman didn’t specify offseason improvements in detail, it’s clear that development—both individual and collective—will be the focus. Growth will likely center around improving offensive execution, sharpening defensive schemes, and continuing to build depth throughout the roster.
Setting the Standard
The 2025 season set a new standard for Burbank basketball. It wasn’t just about the 20 wins, or even the playoff berth—it was about establishing identity. The Bulldogs played with toughness, unity, and an unshakable belief in their system.
They proved they could compete with the best in the region and, perhaps more importantly, laid the groundwork for sustained success in the years to come.
Coach Eshleman’s vision is clear: build a program that competes year in and year out—not just in terms of wins, but in character, leadership, and accountability. The 2025 team exemplified all of that.
Final Thoughts
As the Bulldogs now shift into the offseason, they do so with pride, momentum, and a renewed sense of purpose. The pieces are in place. The players are hungry. The coaching staff is motivated.
The Burbank High School boys basketball program has turned a corner under Coach Steve Eshleman—and the 2025 season may one day be remembered as the moment it all truly began.
Congratulations to the Bulldogs on a standout season and here’s to even greater heights ahead.
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