As the new school year begins, anticipation for the high school basketball season is at an all-time high. Fans, coaches, and players alike are eager to see what the upcoming season has in store. In this article, we will give a preview of what to expect from the Saddleback High School basketball team this year, based on an interview with Coach Chris Emaguna.
Looking back at last season, the team had a record of 8 wins and 18 losses. However, this year looks promising with eight players returning from last year's roster. The top returning players are Junior Guards Christopher Trotter, Angel Soberanis, and Karstein George, along with two seniors Jared Quero. What makes this group special, according to Coach Emaguna, is their resilience and commitment to continuously improve as players.
This year, the team has set their goals high. They are aiming for at least 10 wins, to finish first in the league, make the playoffs, and be one of the top 15 teams in Division 5. Knowing the hard work and dedication of this group, these goals are not out of reach. Aside from the returning players, there are also new additions to the team that are expected to make an immediate impact.
However, Coach Emaguna did not single out any specific players, stating that they are still in the evaluation process. But he is confident that they have a strong group of new players who can contribute to the team's success. Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial elements for any successful team, and Coach Emaguna knows this. With a mix of new and returning players, it's important to build a strong bond within the team.
The coach revealed that their current team captains, Jared Quero, Aaron Vidal, and Christopher Trotter, possess the qualities he looks for in a leader. These include respect from teammates, hard work, effective communication, maturity, academic excellence, and setting a good example both on and off the court. When it comes to pushing his players to their full potential, Coach Emaguna believes in using positive reinforcement.
Along with constant reminders that they are capable of achieving greatness through hard work, the team will also have non-basketball-related team outings to build chemistry and camaraderie. As with any sports team, there are always challenges in preparing for a new season. For the Saddleback Roadrunners, the biggest challenge is getting adequate and consistent gym time.
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