John F. Kennedy High School Boys Basketball Season Preview

It's that time of year again, as fall transitions into winter and high school basketball season gears up. At John F. Kennedy High School, the basketball program is ready to hit the court and give it its all. We spoke with Coach Kevin Kanemura to get a preview of the team for this year, including top returning players, new additions, team chemistry, and more. One of the team's biggest strengths this season will be their focus on becoming a closer team and achieving team goals rather than individual ones. This mindset will be embodied by the top returning players from last season, who have proven to be vital members of the team. These players include John Estrada, a four-year varsity letterman, and Anthony Salazar, a three-year varsity letterman. Coach Kanemura notes that both players have a deep dedication to their team and are committed to doing whatever it takes to help their team succeed. While the returning players will play a significant role in the team's success, there are always new additions that can make an immediate impact. Coach Kanemura highlights two players, John Estrada and Anthony Salazar, who are both highly experienced and have already made significant contributions to the team during the pre-season. In terms of team leadership, Coach Kanemura looks for players with qualities such as dedication, unity, and a strong work ethic. This season, the team captains will be Zion Winston, a 10th grader who moved up from the JV team mid-league season last year, and 9th graders Adam and Jacob Updegraph. These players are all demonstrating true leadership potential and are battling for the captain's role, according to Coach Kanemura. Creating team chemistry and camaraderie is crucial to a team's success both on and off the court. At John F. Kennedy High School, Coach Kanemura instills this through a team-focused approach. The team captains are chosen by the varsity team members themselves, with little influence from the coach, to promote a sense of unity and camaraderie among the players. John Estrada and Anthony Salazar have emerged as leaders in this area and have helped build a strong team bond. Motivating players to reach their full potential can sometimes be a challenge for coaches, but Coach Kanemura has found success in fostering a positive team dynamic.