New Rochelle Boys Basketball: A Championship Season and a Future Full of Promise
2025 Winter Season Recap Series
The 2025 season was a banner year for New Rochelle High School Boys Varsity Basketball, led by Head Coach Rasaun Young. The team not only secured the League Championship but also emerged as Section 1 AAA Champions, cementing their place among the elite programs in New York high school basketball. With standout players, a resilient mentality, and a tightly knit roster, the Huguenots turned hard lessons into hardware, and the future looks just as bright.
Championship Pedigree: Key Contributors Who Led the Way
At the center of New Rochelle’s success was Malik Gasper, who delivered a season for the ages. He wasn’t just the team’s leader—he was the region’s best. Gasper earned League MVP, Championship Game MVP, and the prestigious title of lohud Player of the Year. His dominance on the floor was reflected in his numbers, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding, and his performance set the tone every time he stepped on the court.
Senior Justin Cohen, another cornerstone of the program, was the second leading scorer and rebounder. His consistent performance earned him All-Section honors, and his leadership both on and off the court was essential to the team’s cohesion and mentality.
Izaiah Augustine quietly orchestrated much of the team’s success. Described by Coach Young as their "best kept secret," Augustine’s court vision and ability to control the tempo made him the backbone of the offense.
Matthew Sainvil delivered on both ends of the court, showing versatility, effort, and consistency, while Bryce Seward, who came off the bench, made a name for himself with gritty defense and a growing scoring presence. Seward’s development was one of the most pleasant surprises of the season.
The Season in Review: Winning, Growing, and Proving Themselves
Reflecting on the season, Coach Young was unequivocal: “The season went well.” Winning the league was an impressive feat in itself, but capturing the Section 1 AAA Championship was a crowning achievement that represented the culmination of hard work, leadership, and adaptation.
But the road wasn’t without its bumps. A mid-season trip to the South Carolina Invitational provided a wake-up call. The Huguenots finished 1-2 on the trip, a disappointing outcome on paper, but one that became a defining moment.
“That trip showed us what we really needed to work on,” said Young. “It forced us to come together as one.” That turning point became the fuel the team needed for a second-half surge that led to postseason glory.
Development and Depth: Stars in the Making
The growth of Bryce Seward over the course of the season was one of the team's most important storylines. Initially coming off the bench, Seward became a critical piece in the rotation. “His scoring abilities and his hard-nosed defense were key to our success,” Young said.
Behind the seniors, a number of younger players quietly stepped into bigger roles. With a core of returning guards and athletic size coming up from the JV level, the Huguenots are well-positioned to maintain their high level of play. “I’m super excited,” Coach Young shared when asked about the future. “These guys can play on both ends of the floor.”
Leadership that Sets the Standard
Leadership was a vital component of this championship campaign, and the senior class brought it in spades. Malik Gasper and Justin Cohen, both four-year varsity players, were the heartbeat of the team. Their understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level—and their ability to model that for their teammates—played a crucial role in guiding a relatively young roster through the ups and downs of a long season.
“Both knew what our program is all about,” said Coach Young. “They were leaders on and off the court.”
Rising from Challenges
While the team didn’t suffer major injuries this season, the challenges they faced were more mental and emotional than physical. Bouncing back from tough losses and dealing with the pressure of expectations required resilience. The trip to South Carolina may have seemed like a setback at the time, but it proved to be a blessing in disguise. The team regrouped, recommitted, and came back stronger.
Their ability to learn from adversity was perhaps the most important factor in their postseason success. It’s one thing to have talent; it’s another to grow from your mistakes and come together as a unit.
What’s Next: Strength, Unity, and Sustained Success
As Coach Young looks to the offseason, his focus is clear: “We must get stronger as a team—that’s my biggest concern. Physically, we’re all weak.” While the technical skills and basketball IQ are already strong, strength and conditioning will be the focus to elevate the team from great to elite.
If the Huguenots can develop their bodies to match their talent, the sky’s the limit. The returning roster is deep and versatile, and the JV pipeline is loaded with players who can contribute. Combined with the experience and culture established by this year’s seniors, the foundation is solid.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy and a Launchpad
The 2025 New Rochelle Boys Basketball season will be remembered not only for its championships but for the identity it forged. The team blended star power with selfless role players, experienced leadership with emerging talent, and individual accolades with collective goals.
Coach Young’s squad showed what’s possible when talent, toughness, and togetherness align. From a tough midseason tournament to a historic postseason run, this team didn’t just play—they grew, adapted, and conquered.
As the Huguenots turn the page to a new season, they do so not as underdogs, but as champions with a target on their backs and a hunger to stay on top. With the right offseason focus, continued development, and the spirit that powered them through 2025, New Rochelle is primed to remain a force in Section 1 and beyond.
Team stats and further updates can be found on the team’s page at MaxPreps.
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