Tampa Bay Tech Boys Basketball Looks to Rebound with a New Era of Unity and Youthful Energy
The 2024–2025 basketball season for Tampa Bay Technical High School’s Boys Basketball team was filled with high hopes, hard lessons, and flashes of potential that point toward a promising future. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jerome McWhorter, the Titans faced a season that tested their resolve, challenged their chemistry, and ultimately laid the foundation for what could be a major turnaround next year.
While the season fell short of the team’s expectations, Coach McWhorter remains optimistic, emphasizing growth, accountability, and the potential of a hungry young core ready to step up.
Standout Performers Who Set the Standard
At the heart of this past season were two key players who consistently led the Titans on the court: Evan Clark and Aamir Stafford.
Evan Clark, a senior guard, was the engine of the offense. A natural scorer and emotional leader, Clark's passion and intensity set the tone for his teammates. When Clark was on fire, the whole team followed his lead, and his presence often created openings for others to thrive. His graduation leaves big shoes to fill, but also opens the door for the next wave of leaders to emerge.
Alongside him was Aamir Stafford, a forceful forward known for doing the “dirty work” inside the paint. Stafford was relentless on the boards, a defensive anchor, and a vocal leader among the frontcourt players. He often took on the dual responsibility of handling both forward and center duties, demanding better effort and consistency from his teammates.
“These two were the heart of the team,” Coach McWhorter shared. “Their impact was felt not just in the box score, but in the energy and leadership they brought every night.”
A Season of Lessons
In Coach McWhorter’s own words, the 2024–25 season was “a disappointment”—not because of a lack of talent, but due to internal struggles and lapses in focus that disrupted the team’s pursuit of collective success.
“We let ourselves down by not staying focused on the team goal,” McWhorter admitted. “There was too much outside noise, and it created a selfish style of play at times. That cost us games we should have won.”
While many teams face adversity, the Titans’ biggest challenge wasn’t just their opponents—it was maintaining trust and unity within the locker room. The lessons learned, though painful, are now part of the team’s blueprint for rebuilding and refocusing.
Searching for a Turning Point
Unlike seasons where one major win or breakthrough reshapes the year, Coach McWhorter described this season as a series of missed opportunities. Every time the team neared a potential turning point, something internal seemed to derail their progress.
Still, McWhorter isn’t passing the blame. In fact, he takes full ownership.
“As the leader of the program, I take full responsibility,” he said. “It’s my job to keep us together and focused on the same goal. That’s what I aim to do moving forward.”
Growth in Unexpected Ways
While the season lacked a defining victory, it wasn’t devoid of growth. Coach McWhorter noted that every player on the roster developed—whether that meant stepping into a new role, learning hard truths about their current skill level, or discovering what it takes to be successful at the varsity level.
Some players embraced these lessons and began to evolve. Others struggled with the reality of where they stood, which stalled their progress. But the experiences from this year will shape how the returning players approach the game next season, with greater maturity and a deeper understanding of what it takes to win as a team.
Rising to the Occasion
The beginning of the season saw younger players relying heavily on upperclassmen, unsure of how to handle pressure situations or fill roles when injuries or foul trouble took their toll. But as the season progressed, that dependency began to fade.
“We grew into a ‘next man up’ mentality,” McWhorter said. “By the end, the younger guys started to gain confidence. They wanted to prove they could carry more of the load.”
That hunger—coupled with growing confidence—has McWhorter excited for what’s ahead.
Senior Legacy: Lessons and Leadership
While the team’s seniors—most notably Clark and Stafford—wouldn’t be returning, their impact on the program is lasting. Beyond the stats and moments on the court, they’ve left a roadmap for the underclassmen.
“This senior class gave the younger guys something to learn from,” said McWhorter. “They showed what to do—and what not to do. That kind of direction is just as valuable as anything else.”
Their leadership has planted the seeds for the next generation to grow into more mature, team-first athletes who understand the responsibilities that come with wearing the Titans jersey.
Looking Forward: Youth and Optimism
Despite this season’s struggles, Coach McWhorter is optimistic. Why? Because the Titans are young, motivated, and ready to turn the page.
“What excites me most is our youth,” he said. “They’re eager to prove they belong, and with the right roles and mindset, I believe we can have a successful season.”
That belief is grounded in what the coaching staff is already seeing in offseason workouts: players are showing up, working hard, and beginning to buy into the team-first mentality that McWhorter has been preaching.
Offseason Focus: Sharpening the Edges
The Titans’ offseason goals are clear. Offensively, the focus is on improving shot selection and ball control—two areas that hindered their ability to maintain momentum in games. Fewer turnovers and better decision-making will be crucial if the team wants to turn close losses into wins.
Defensively, the goal is to control the tempo and become more disruptive, taking away opportunities from opponents to swing momentum their way.
“We want to be the team that dictates the pace,” said McWhorter. “It starts with effort, discipline, and trust.”
Staying Connected
For those looking to follow the Titans’ progress and dig into the numbers, team stats are available on MaxPreps, a reliable source for player stats, schedules, and game summaries. Fans, parents, and prospective players can track growth and performance there throughout the season.
Final Thoughts: A Program in Transition
This season may not have ended the way the Titans hoped, but it planted the seeds of a transformation. With a young core returning, valuable lessons learned, and a coaching staff committed to unity and growth, Tampa Bay Tech’s boys basketball team is poised for a rebound.
Coach McWhorter isn’t sugarcoating the past, but he’s also not dwelling on it.
“We’re building something here,” he said. “And it starts with belief—in each other, in the process, and in the team. We’re ready to move forward.”
The path ahead is filled with opportunity, and this time, the Titans are determined to walk it together.
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