J. Graham Brown High School Basketball: Building Toward a Breakthrough Season
The 2025 winter basketball season for the J. Graham Brown High School boys' team was one full of lessons, growth, and promise. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jermill Bibb, the Bruins navigated a competitive schedule, experienced moments of triumph, and built a foundation for future success. Though the final record was 13-17, the team’s resilience, leadership, and teamwork set the stage for what could be a very exciting 2026 campaign.
Key Contributors Leading the Way
One of the defining characteristics of this Bruins squad was its balanced scoring attack and the contributions from multiple players. The team was led offensively by Sophomore Dayton Evans, who averaged 12.9 points per game, and Junior Samuel Valentine, contributing 10.5 points per game. These two young guards showed tremendous promise as scoring threats and catalysts for the offense.
On the senior front, the Bruins were anchored by captains KJ Mitchell and Jacob Mattingly, whose leadership both on and off the court provided stability and inspiration. Defensive presence and rebounding were bolstered by senior Muhammed Seck, who was the team’s rim protector and key rebounder, averaging 5.2 rebounds per game. Seck’s toughness and consistency were vital in a season where injuries and lineup changes were frequent.
Season Overview: Progress Amidst Challenges
While the Bruins finished the season just below .500 at 13 wins and 17 losses, Coach Bibb described the campaign as "good in a lot of ways." Despite some tough losses, the team found success in tournament play, winning the Portland Christian Holiday Tournament, a highlight of the season that provided a confidence boost for the group. The Bruins also made a strong run in the All-A Tournament for the 7th region, finishing second after a hard-fought final lost by just 3 points—a narrow margin that speaks volumes about the team’s competitive spirit.
These tournament performances underscored the Bruins’ potential, especially when the team was firing on all cylinders and playing cohesively.
Growth and Development: Players Stepping Up
Throughout the season, several players grew into larger roles, gaining confidence and responsibility. Junior Cameron Sharpe was a standout in this regard. Sharpe’s deep understanding of the playbook and his ability to embrace his role made him pivotal down the stretch. Coach Bibb noted that Sharpe “really knew the playbook in and out” and would be “one of our leaders next year.”
This growth in leadership and on-court intelligence is critical for a program that aims to build sustained success.
Overcoming Adversity: The Next Man Up Mentality
The Bruins faced the challenge of injuries and a rotating roster throughout the season. Remarkably, only one player—senior Muhammed Seck—played all 30 games. This forced the team to adopt a “next man up” mentality, where every player needed to be ready to contribute at a moment’s notice.
Coach Bibb highlighted the team’s resilience, saying, “We never hung our head down; we just knew we had to compete the best way we knew how, regardless of who was available.” This mindset not only helped the Bruins stay competitive but also fostered a strong sense of accountability and preparedness among the players.
Senior Leadership: Role Models On and Off the Court
This year’s senior class of six players was vital to the team beyond just their performances on the hardwood. The captains and seniors were praised for their leadership, energy, and the example they set for younger players.
“We had six seniors who meant a lot to this year's team,” Coach Bibb said. “Not only were they great leaders, but they were role models to the younger guys on the team and around the school.”
One of the most impressive aspects of their leadership was their commitment to creating a positive environment at school, adopting a “no bullying” stance, and consistently uplifting fellow students. This holistic approach to leadership reflects the kind of culture the Bruins are striving to build—one that values character as much as competitiveness.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Prospects for 2026
With a core of key contributors returning, Coach Bibb is energized about the future. Veterans like Dayton Evans, Samuel Valentine, and Cameron Sharpe will be joined by other returning players, including Austin Vitato and Luke Degener. The team also expects several new faces to join the program, adding depth and fresh talent.
Coach Bibb expressed his excitement: “I am super excited for next year's team. We begin practice very soon to kick off the summer league, which starts in June, then individualize each player to sharpen their iron.”
This focus on personalized development, combined with team practices and competitive summer league play, should prepare the Bruins for a strong start to the next season.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening Skills and Chasing Championships
The Bruins aren’t just planning to participate next season—they have clear goals aimed at winning the region’s top prize.
“Our major goal is to win All-A next season,” Bibb said emphatically. “We were 3 points short this year but are looking to avenge that and be on top next season.”
To achieve this, the team is emphasizing hard work and dedication during the offseason. A quote hanging in the locker room reminds the players:
“If you want to look good in front of thousands, you have to outwork thousands in front of nobody.” – Damian Lillard
This mindset underscores the commitment to relentless preparation that Coach Bibb expects from his players.
Where to Follow the Bruins
Fans eager to keep up with the Bruins’ progress can find detailed stats and game information at khsaa.org, as well as on the official scoreboard site: khsaa.org Bruins stats. These platforms provide comprehensive coverage of team and individual performances throughout the season.
Conclusion: Building a Program with Heart and Hustle
The 2025 season for J. Graham Brown High School basketball was one of important growth and character-building. Despite a losing record, the Bruins demonstrated that success isn’t measured by wins alone but by the effort, resilience, and leadership they displayed throughout.
Coach Bibb’s message to his team was clear: hard work and preparation today lead to victory tomorrow. With a committed senior class paving the way and a promising group of returners ready to take the reins, the Bruins are poised for an exciting 2026 season—one where the lessons of this year will translate into championships and lasting success.
In the meantime, the community and fans can look forward to watching a program that plays with heart, competes with grit, and never stops striving to be better. The future looks bright for J. Graham Brown basketball.
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