Baker High School Boys Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Year of Resilience, Growth, and Grit
The 2025 boys basketball season at Baker High School was one of new beginnings, hard-fought progress, and promising potential. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Chad Martin, the Baker Gators quickly established themselves as a resilient, cohesive unit that refused to be defined by adversity. From integrating new transfers to reshaping the team identity mid-season, the Gators didn’t just compete—they built the foundation for sustained success.
Coach Martin inherited a roster in transition, but with a core group of competitors and a shared belief in the process, the team exceeded expectations and delivered a memorable campaign. Here’s a deeper look into a season that saw Baker take big steps forward—and why the future looks even brighter.
Key Contributors: Laying the Foundation for Success
From day one, several players set the tone for the team’s competitive culture. Leading the charge was AJ Chilton, a high-level competitor known for his relentless motor and two-way play. “He’s a great scorer that can finish in the paint with both hands,” said Coach Martin, “and a defender that causes havoc all over the floor.” Chilton’s versatility and aggression helped anchor the Gators on both ends.
Another vital piece was Cole Hardin, who brought length, shooting, and defensive versatility to the lineup. Known for his ability to stretch the floor, Hardin consistently knocked down big shots and used his size to guard both perimeter players and bigger forwards.
Meanwhile, Peyton Ellis emerged as a selfless team-first player whose athleticism and adaptability were crucial. “He had to play out of position to help us succeed,” Coach Martin noted. Ellis’s willingness to sacrifice for the greater good symbolized the unselfish nature of the squad.
First-Year Success: Coming Together Quickly
For Coach Martin, this season marked his first at the helm of the boys basketball program—and it came with its share of challenges, including integrating three transfer students into the lineup. But rather than letting those transitions derail their chemistry, the Gators rallied.
“We had a really good year,” said Martin. “As a first-year coach with boys and coming together with new players, we were still able to be successful.” That success was driven by a commitment to buying into the system, learning from every game, and adjusting on the fly.
Turning Points and Triumphs
Every season has its pivotal moments, and for Baker, one of the most defining came after a gut-wrenching home loss to their biggest rival. Rather than letting the defeat linger, the Gators flipped the script just five days later—this time, on the road, where they earned a statement win that showcased their mental toughness and resolve.
This bounce-back win proved to be more than just a revenge game; it was a symbolic shift that showed the team could respond under pressure, on hostile ground, and use setbacks as fuel for future success.
Growth Under Fire: Players Stepping Up
Two players who grew immensely over the course of the season were Peyton Ellis and Terrance Clausell. Both are naturally bigger guards, but with the team’s unique roster needs, they stepped into new roles and embraced the challenge.
Clausell, in particular, showed remarkable adaptability—playing all five positions on the floor at different times throughout the year. That type of flexibility is rare and speaks volumes about his basketball IQ and team-first mentality.
Responding to Adversity
One of the defining traits of this year's Gator squad was their ability to respond to challenges. After each loss, they came back stronger—literally putting together winning streaks in the aftermath of every defeat.
Perhaps the best example of their composure came in the district championship game, where the team shot an astonishing 27-of-31 from the free-throw line—a testament to their preparation, focus, and ability to deliver when the stakes were highest.
Senior Leadership: Small in Number, Big in Impact
While the team featured just one returning senior, his attitude and influence were still impactful. “He was positive throughout the year,” said Martin, underscoring the importance of mindset and consistency, especially in a locker room filled with new faces and underclassmen.
His steady presence helped set the tone for a team still building its identity and gave younger players a model of how to stay committed and engaged regardless of role or minutes.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
Perhaps the most exciting element of the 2025 campaign is that almost all of the team’s production will return next year. That continuity, combined with a full offseason under Coach Martin’s system, gives the Gators an excellent shot at taking another major step forward.
“We bring back almost all of our production next season and hope to turn that into another successful year,” Martin emphasized. With talent, experience, and chemistry now aligned, expectations are rightly on the rise in Baker.
Offseason Goals: Building Toughness and Strength
For the Gators to continue their upward trajectory, the focus this offseason is clear: get stronger and tougher. That includes not just physical development in the weight room, but also honing mental toughness—the kind that shows up in fourth quarters, tournament games, and clutch moments.
Strength training, skill development, and competitive reps will all be on the agenda as the coaching staff looks to build a team that can sustain effort, intensity, and discipline over the course of an entire season—and into the playoffs.
Track Their Progress
For fans, families, and basketball followers, MaxPreps will be the go-to spot to track the Gators’ progress. Just search for Baker, FL (Gators) to view stats, rosters, and upcoming schedules as this exciting program continues to evolve.
Final Thoughts: A Season That Set the Tone
The 2025 season at Baker High was more than just a winning campaign—it was the beginning of a new era of belief and possibility. Under Coach Chad Martin’s leadership, the Gators became a team that played for each other, responded to adversity, and took pride in the process of growth.
With a strong core returning, a taste of success behind them, and a clear vision ahead, the Gators aren’t just satisfied with what they’ve accomplished—they’re hungry for more.
The competition has been warned: Baker Basketball is just getting started.
 to view stats, rosters, and upcoming schedules as this exciting program continues to evolve.
Final Thoughts: A Season That Set the Tone
The 2025 season at Baker High was more than just a winning campaign—it was the beginning of a new era of belief and possibility. Under Coach Chad Martin’s leadership, the Gators became a team that played for each other, responded to adversity, and took pride in the process of growth.
With a strong core returning, a taste of success behind them, and a clear vision ahead, the Gators aren’t just satisfied with what they’ve accomplished—they’re hungry for more.
The competition has been warned: Baker Basketball is just getting started.)
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