Randolph-Macon Academy Boys Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Year of Grit, Growth, and Greatness
The 2025 basketball season was one to remember for Randolph-Macon Academy’s boys varsity team. Under the leadership of Head Coach Taylor Vazquez, the Yellow Jackets posted a stellar 16-4 record, secured the regular season conference championship, and cemented their place as one of the most exciting and resilient programs in VISAA Division 2
From thrilling comeback wins to breakout performances and a deep roster that blended veteran leadership with young talent, this year’s team set a high standard for what it means to play the game the right way—tough, disciplined, and together. Here's a closer look at how the 2025 campaign unfolded.
Key Contributors: A Trio of Stars Leading the Way
Randolph-Macon’s success this season was fueled by three standouts who brought firepower on both ends of the floor.
Senior Tega Esievo led the team in scoring with 14.6 points per game and was the defensive heartbeat of the squad. His energy, effort, and leadership earned him First Team All-Conference honors, a fitting recognition for a player who set the tone night in and night out.
Sophomore Nolan Kirabo was right behind him, averaging 14.5 points per game. More than just a scorer, Kirabo led the team in both steals and assists, demonstrating maturity beyond his years. His all-around game and composure earned him First Team All-Conference recognition alongside Esievo.
Senior David Kayeye was the muscle inside, posting a double-double average of 12.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. His 59% shooting efficiency underscored his dominance in the paint, and he rightfully earned Second Team All-Conference honors.
Together, this trio formed a formidable core—balancing experience with youth, athleticism with discipline, and scoring with defense.
Season Highlights: Big Wins and Bold Statements
Coach Vazquez described the season as “great”—and with good reason. The Yellow Jackets not only dominated their conference but also built a résumé filled with marquee wins.
Regular Season Conference Champions: Their 16-4 record made them the No. 1 seed heading into the conference tournament.
Back-to-Back Champs at Hoopin’ on the Hill: Randolph-Macon repeated as tournament champions in 2024’s “Hoopin' on the Hill,” a notable accomplishment that showed their consistency and hunger to win.
Showdown with IMG Academy: One of the season’s defining moments came when R-MA hosted a showcase featuring a varsity team from the prestigious IMG Academy. Despite a rough shooting night, the Yellow Jackets staged a comeback victory, displaying grit, determination, and an unrelenting will to win. “That game was a huge turning point,” said Coach Vazquez. “It propelled us for the rest of the season.”
Statewide Recognition: Throughout the season, the team received votes in the VISAA Division 2 state poll, a reflection of their growing reputation across Virginia.
Growth and Development: Rising Stars Step Up
As the season progressed, the Yellow Jackets saw several players evolve into larger roles. Chief among them was sophomore Chester Notewo, who began the year as the team’s sixth man but worked his way into the starting point guard role. His leadership and court vision provided stability, and his ascent is a major reason for optimism going forward.
Coach Vazquez also pointed to Anthony Yoder and Daryl Muhindo—younger players with high ceilings—as part of the next wave of impact players. Combined with a JV team that went 9-1, the future pipeline looks strong.
Handling Adversity: Mental Toughness and Resilience
Despite the success, this season wasn’t without its hurdles. Injuries and lineup changes were a constant challenge, but the team’s ability to stay focused and unified stood out.
“We battled many injuries—guys being out of the lineup left and right all year long,” Coach Vazquez said. “A testament to this group’s resiliency and mental toughness. This group stayed together and never stopped working.”
That unity and resolve were a driving force behind the team’s ability to win close games and rebound after setbacks. Whether facing a tough loss or adjusting to a new lineup, the Yellow Jackets always responded with character.
Senior Leadership: A Legacy Left Behind
Much of the team’s culture and poise can be traced to the influence of a remarkable senior class. This group brought more than just talent—they brought leadership, commitment, and mentorship.
The five senior players—Tega Esievo, David Kayeye, Michael Pray, Noah Negussie, and Isaiah Tapere—were instrumental in shaping the team's identity. Whether it was a big play in a high-pressure moment or leading by example off the court, they helped instill a standard of excellence.
In addition, the two senior team managers—Izunna Okoye and Kenna Shiferaw—played vital roles behind the scenes, contributing to the team's preparation and morale.
Coach Vazquez summed it up: “All 5 senior players and our 2 senior team managers had a tremendous impact on the team. They showed the right way to do things.”
The Road Ahead: Rebuilding with Confidence
Looking to next season, there’s a lot to be excited about in Front Royal.
Returning Stars: With Nolan Kirabo and Chester Notewo back, the team retains its backcourt core. Both players have already shown they can lead at a high level.
Emerging Talent: Players like Yoder and Muhindo, along with the strong JV squad, promise added depth and new energy.
Focused Improvement Areas: Coach Vazquez identified free-throw shooting and limiting turnovers as key offseason focuses. “While all players will work to improve all facets of their game, these two became a bit of an Achilles heel for us,” he noted.
If those areas see improvement, Randolph-Macon is poised to be even more dangerous in 2026.
Follow the Yellow Jackets
For fans looking to dive into the stats and numbers behind this impressive season, Randolph-Macon Academy’s full stats can be found on their MaxPreps team page.
Conclusion: A Program on the Rise
The 2025 season at Randolph-Macon Academy wasn’t just about wins—it was about building a culture. With discipline, leadership, and a commitment to excellence, Coach Taylor Vazquez and the Yellow Jackets established themselves as a force in VISAA basketball.
They fought through adversity, upset big-name programs, and developed young talent—all while holding true to the values that define a successful team. As the program transitions into the next chapter, the future looks bright, the foundation is solid, and the expectations are sky high.
With the leadership of Coach Vazquez and the continued development of a talented core, Randolph-Macon Academy basketball is built not just to compete, but to contend for years to come.
Share With