Knight High School Boys Basketball: A Championship Season to Remember
The 2025 winter season was one for the history books at Knight High School. Led by Head Coach and Athletic Director Tom Hegre, the Knights not only dominated their league with a perfect 14-0 record but capped off a stellar campaign with a CIF Championship—a testament to their resilience, skill, and team-first mentality.
A Season of Excellence
Winning 26 games in a single season is no small feat, and for Coach Hegre and his players, every victory was built on discipline, hard work, and a shared commitment to excellence. “Winning a CIF championship and going 14-0 in league were both team goals,” Coach Hegre noted. “I’m proud of the commitment our players made to achieving those goals.”
The Knights faced a demanding 32-game schedule that tested them physically and mentally. But rather than fold under pressure, the team rose to the challenge—game after game—refining their craft and building momentum as they advanced into the postseason.
Key Contributors Shine
Two players stood out for their consistent offensive production throughout the season: Amare Larane and Da’vian Brooks.
Amare Larane, who averaged 17.2 points per game, was the offensive engine for the Knights and earned a host of accolades for his efforts. He was named League Player of the Year, received a prestigious Wooden Award, and was crowned the CIF Player of the Year for the division. Coach Hegre called him “an amazing talent,” and with another year left in high school, Larane is poised to become one of the top players in the state.
Meanwhile, Da’vian Brooks closed out a legendary four-year varsity career. Averaging 14.6 points per game, Brooks brought veteran leadership and a winning pedigree to the team. His track record speaks for itself: 55-1 in league play over four years, all-league honors each season, and the heart of Knight’s offense for much of his tenure. “He was an amazing scorer,” said Hegre. “It will be tough to replace him.”
Another key senior was Zi’aire Hardwell, who anchored the team’s defense. Coach Hegre described him as “the dog of our defense” and emphasized his importance: “Without him, we would not have won that championship.”
Defining Moments and Postseason Magic
Every championship season has defining moments, and for the Knights, the 2025 postseason provided more than a few.
Their playoff run was full of drama and heart-stopping finishes. In a road game at Hesperia, Knight trailed by 10 points at halftime. The team rallied behind their leaders and clawed their way back for a gritty win—a testament to their mental toughness.
Then came the quarterfinals, where a defensive stand in overtime sealed a crucial victory. But perhaps the most unforgettable moment came in the semifinals against Maranatha. Down by four with just 12 seconds left, Jay’len Brooks drained a clutch three-pointer, absorbed a foul, and converted the free throw to tie the game. The momentum swing was complete, and the Knights stormed through overtime to defeat a formidable opponent and punch their ticket to the CIF championship game.
“These were the moments that showed what we were made of,” said Coach Hegre. “At that point, our guys were determined.”
Growth and Development Across the Roster
While stars like Larane and Brooks stole headlines, Coach Hegre emphasized that team-wide development was the true key to their success. “Really all of our players grew individually,” he said. “That made us a much stronger team collectively by the end of the regular season.”
Even early-season challenges contributed to that growth. When Amare Larane missed the Chaminade Tournament with a lower back strain, the team held their own, going 2-2. It proved to be a blessing in disguise. “It made us deeper as a team,” Hegre explained.
A tough outing at the Tarkanian Tournament in Las Vegas also served as a wake-up call. “We didn’t play very well there,” Hegre admitted, “but our team responded well in practice and improved defensively afterward.”
Senior Legacy and Lasting Impact
The 2025 senior class leaves behind a legacy of excellence. Beyond their on-court accomplishments, they set a tone for work ethic, leadership, and accountability that will resonate for years.
“Da’vian and Zi’aire were instrumental,” said Hegre. “They played hard, led by example, and gave everything they had to the program.”
Their leadership helped lay a strong foundation—and their shoes won’t be easy to fill.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Even with the graduation of key seniors, the future remains bright for Knight Basketball. The team will return several battle-tested players, including:
Amare Larane, now a senior, with the potential to become a state-level standout.
Jaylen Mims, a three-year varsity player known for his hard work and consistency.
Carson Claypool, Trent Parker, and DJ Williams—each bringing playoff experience and upside into their senior seasons.
“I’m excited to see what this next team can be,” said Hegre.
The offseason focus will be on developing depth, especially among players without varsity experience. Player development has always been central to Knight’s program, and that philosophy will continue to guide their preparation.
A Culture Built to Last
What makes this Knight team special isn’t just the wins—it’s the culture. Coach Hegre and his staff have built a program rooted in accountability, resilience, and a commitment to growth.
From overcoming injuries to responding to tough losses, this team never lost sight of its identity. They believed in each other, trusted the process, and delivered when it mattered most.
In a world where success is often measured by numbers, the 2025 Knights proved that heart, teamwork, and character are just as essential.
Final Thoughts
The CIF championship may be the crowning jewel of the 2025 season, but the real victory lies in what this group of young men accomplished together. They grew as athletes, matured as leaders, and inspired their school and community.
As Coach Hegre looks ahead to another promising year, one thing is clear: Knight Basketball isn’t just winning games—it’s building champions, on and off the court.
Congratulations to the Knight High School Boys Basketball Team on a season to remember.
Share With