Maria Carrillo Basketball Shows Grit and Growth in 2025 Winter Season
The 2024–2025 winter basketball season was another strong campaign for the Maria Carrillo High School Men’s Basketball team, led by Head Coach Justin Leggins. Finishing with a solid 16–12 record, the Pumas once again proved their competitive edge in a challenging league. Despite an early exit in the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs, the season was marked by inspiring performances, steady leadership, and a foundation of resilience that promises a bright future for the program.
Seniors Set the Tone
At the heart of Maria Carrillo’s success this season was a veteran core. With eight seniors in the rotation, the team’s identity was shaped by experience, leadership, and composure. These seniors brought intensity to every practice and helped foster a culture of accountability and high standards on and off the court.
“Our senior class really set the tone,” Coach Leggins said. “They were great leaders and played big minutes. Their presence in practice elevated everyone around them.”
One of the team’s standout seniors was James Hillestad, who led the team with 16.3 points per game, along with 3 assists and 2.9 steals. As the team's offensive engine and most dynamic player, Hillestad earned Offensive MVP honors in league play and was named First Team All-Sonoma County, capping off an impressive final season in a Puma uniform.
Key Contributors Step Up
While Hillestad may have been the focal point of the offense, he had plenty of support from a well-rounded team effort.
Henry Peters, the team’s dependable center, was a force in the paint. Averaging 6.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, Peters anchored the defense and emerged as the team’s vocal leader. His ability to protect the rim and command the interior was crucial in close games.
Otto Lenhares brought a high motor and contagious energy. Averaging 9.4 points per game, he played with relentless hustle and gave the team a spark in key moments.
Eli Jamieson, with 8.1 points per game, earned a reputation for delivering clutch buckets and playing lockdown defense. He consistently stepped up in crunch time, proving to be a reliable two-way player.
Clutch Moments and Comebacks
While the team’s first-round NCS playoff loss left them wanting more, the regular season was filled with moments that reflected their heart and determination. Perhaps the most memorable highlight was a stunning comeback victory in which the team rallied from a 22-point halftime deficit to win—a testament to their resilience and refusal to fold under pressure.
“We were in a few tight spots during the year,” said Coach Leggins. “Whenever we were down in the fourth quarter, the guys stepped up and made runs to close out games.”
The Pumas' ability to bounce back after a slow start to league play also stood out. Early-season losses could have derailed their momentum, but instead, the team regrouped and played its best basketball down the stretch, demonstrating mental toughness and cohesion.
Player Development: Rising Stars Emerge
Another storyline from the season was the emergence of players into larger roles. Chief among them was Shane Swanson, who made major strides defensively. As the year progressed, Swanson evolved into one of the team’s primary defenders, regularly tasked with guarding the opponent’s top scorer.
“Shane really stepped up his defense,” Coach Leggins noted. “He accepted the challenge of being one of our stoppers, and that made a big difference in tight games.”
His growth is a promising sign as the team turns the page to a new chapter next season.
Future Looks Bright
Though the team will lose a strong senior class, Coach Leggins is optimistic about the future. With seven players returning and a promising pipeline of talent from the underclassmen levels, the Pumas are in a solid position to build on this year’s success.
“Our younger guys have a lot of potential,” he said. “We’re excited about the talent coming up, and the returning players are hungry to take that next step.”
With a focus on team defense and improving fundamentals, the offseason will be key for Maria Carrillo to sharpen its edge and compete at a higher level next year.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening the Edge
Looking ahead, Coach Leggins has a clear vision for where the program needs to improve. While this year’s team showed heart and grit, he knows that sharpening the finer details is what separates good teams from great ones.
“We’re going to focus on defense and fundamentals this offseason,” he said. “Those are the keys to being a consistent, successful program.”
The Pumas will be working hard in the gym, refining their defensive rotations, footwork, and team chemistry—all essential for making a deeper playoff run next year.
Where to Find the Stats
For those interested in diving deeper into the numbers behind Maria Carrillo’s season, full team and individual stats can be found on MaxPreps. It’s the best place to track player performance, team records, and highlights throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 winter basketball season may not have ended with a championship banner, but it was a year filled with growth, memorable moments, and team unity. From James Hillestad’s scoring brilliance to Henry Peters’ leadership in the paint, from clutch comebacks to defensive development, the Pumas gave fans plenty to cheer for.
With a strong returning core and a committed coaching staff, the future looks promising for Maria Carrillo Basketball. One thing is certain—this program is trending up, and next season, they’ll be back with even more to prove.
“We’re proud of what we accomplished,” said Coach Leggins, “but we’re not satisfied. We’re ready to get back to work.”
 playoffs, the season was marked by inspiring performances, steady leadership, and a foundation of resilience that promises a bright future for the program.
Seniors Set the Tone
At the heart of Maria Carrillo’s success this season was a veteran core. With eight seniors in the rotation, the team’s identity was shaped by experience, leadership, and composure. These seniors brought intensity to every practice and helped foster a culture of accountability and high standards on and off the court.
“Our senior class really set the tone,” Coach Leggins said. “They were great leaders and played big minutes. Their presence in practice elevated everyone around them.”
One of the team’s standout seniors was James Hillestad, who led the team with 16.3 points per game, along with 3 assists and 2.9 steals. As the team's offensive engine and most dynamic player, Hillestad earned Offensive MVP honors in league play and was named First Team All-Sonoma County, capping off an impressive final season in a Puma uniform.
Key Contributors Step Up
While Hillestad may have been the focal point of the offense, he had plenty of support from a well-rounded team effort.
Henry Peters, the team’s dependable center, was a force in the paint. Averaging 6.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, Peters anchored the defense and emerged as the team’s vocal leader. His ability to protect the rim and command the interior was crucial in close games.
Otto Lenhares brought a high motor and contagious energy. Averaging 9.4 points per game, he played with relentless hustle and gave the team a spark in key moments.
Eli Jamieson, with 8.1 points per game, earned a reputation for delivering clutch buckets and playing lockdown defense. He consistently stepped up in crunch time, proving to be a reliable two-way player.
Clutch Moments and Comebacks
While the team’s first-round NCS playoff loss left them wanting more, the regular season was filled with moments that reflected their heart and determination. Perhaps the most memorable highlight was a stunning comeback victory in which the team rallied from a 22-point halftime deficit to win—a testament to their resilience and refusal to fold under pressure.
“We were in a few tight spots during the year,” said Coach Leggins. “Whenever we were down in the fourth quarter, the guys stepped up and made runs to close out games.”
The Pumas' ability to bounce back after a slow start to league play also stood out. Early-season losses could have derailed their momentum, but instead, the team regrouped and played its best basketball down the stretch, demonstrating mental toughness and cohesion.
Player Development: Rising Stars Emerge
Another storyline from the season was the emergence of players into larger roles. Chief among them was Shane Swanson, who made major strides defensively. As the year progressed, Swanson evolved into one of the team’s primary defenders, regularly tasked with guarding the opponent’s top scorer.
“Shane really stepped up his defense,” Coach Leggins noted. “He accepted the challenge of being one of our stoppers, and that made a big difference in tight games.”
His growth is a promising sign as the team turns the page to a new chapter next season.
Future Looks Bright
Though the team will lose a strong senior class, Coach Leggins is optimistic about the future. With seven players returning and a promising pipeline of talent from the underclassmen levels, the Pumas are in a solid position to build on this year’s success.
“Our younger guys have a lot of potential,” he said. “We’re excited about the talent coming up, and the returning players are hungry to take that next step.”
With a focus on team defense and improving fundamentals, the offseason will be key for Maria Carrillo to sharpen its edge and compete at a higher level next year.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening the Edge
Looking ahead, Coach Leggins has a clear vision for where the program needs to improve. While this year’s team showed heart and grit, he knows that sharpening the finer details is what separates good teams from great ones.
“We’re going to focus on defense and fundamentals this offseason,” he said. “Those are the keys to being a consistent, successful program.”
The Pumas will be working hard in the gym, refining their defensive rotations, footwork, and team chemistry—all essential for making a deeper playoff run next year.
Where to Find the Stats
For those interested in diving deeper into the numbers behind Maria Carrillo’s season, full team and individual stats can be found on MaxPreps. It’s the best place to track player performance, team records, and highlights throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 winter basketball season may not have ended with a championship banner, but it was a year filled with growth, memorable moments, and team unity. From James Hillestad’s scoring brilliance to Henry Peters’ leadership in the paint, from clutch comebacks to defensive development, the Pumas gave fans plenty to cheer for.
With a strong returning core and a committed coaching staff, the future looks promising for Maria Carrillo Basketball. One thing is certain—this program is trending up, and next season, they’ll be back with even more to prove.
“We’re proud of what we accomplished,” said Coach Leggins, “but we’re not satisfied. We’re ready to get back to work.”)
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