Baker High School Boys Basketball Season Preview

Team Chemistry Fuels a Strong Season In his debut season as head coach of Baker High School’s boys basketball program, Chad Martin successfully guided a newly blended squad, including three key transfers, into a cohesive and competitive unit. With solid team chemistry and steady leadership, the Gators put together a campaign to be proud of. “We had a really good year,” said Coach Martin. “Bringing together new players and building something positive in year one was a big win in itself.” Key Contributors Lead by Example The Gators leaned heavily on three standout performers: AJ Chilton – A dynamic scorer and high-motor defender, Chilton consistently made plays on both ends of the court. His ability to finish with both hands and create chaos defensively set the tone for the team. Cole Hardin – A reliable shooter with size and versatility, Hardin provided scoring punch and defensive flexibility, guarding players at multiple positions. Peyton Ellis – A high-level athlete who willingly played out of position to serve the team, Ellis was a critical piece in the Gators’ adaptability throughout the season. Turning Point: Rivalry Redemption One of the biggest moments of the year came in response to adversity. After a tough home loss to their top rival, the Gators showed resilience by bouncing back just five days later with a decisive road win at that same rival’s gym. The victory not only sparked momentum but also symbolized the mental toughness that defined the team’s season. Player Development on Full Display Several athletes grew into expanded roles as the season progressed, notably: Peyton Ellis and Terrance Clausell – Both guards stepped up in major ways, with Clausell filling every position on the court at various times. Their flexibility and growth helped the Gators stay competitive regardless of matchup challenges. Responding to Adversity with Resilience The team consistently answered tough losses with winning streaks, displaying a short memory and long-term focus. In their district championship game, the Gators delivered under pressure by shooting an incredible 27-for-31 from the free-throw line, a testament to their preparation and poise. Senior Leadership & Future Outlook With only one returning senior, leadership came in different forms, but that senior brought a steady presence and positive energy throughout the year. Looking ahead, Coach Martin is excited about what’s to come. “We bring back almost all of our production next season,” Martin said. “It gives us a great foundation to build another successful run.” Offseason Focus: Strength and Toughness The primary goal for the offseason? Elevating the team’s physical strength and mental toughness to handle deeper playoff pushes and more physically demanding opponents. Stats & More Fans can follow the team’s performance and stats on MaxPreps under “Baker, FL – Gators.”