South Lakes Boys’ Basketball 2025: A Championship Culture Rooted in Grit, Growth, and Greatness
It’s not easy to repeat as state champions. It’s even harder when you lose 11 players, including four starters, and step into a season viewed as a rebuilding year. But under the steady leadership of Head Coach Mike Desmond, the South Lakes High School Boys’ Basketball Team defied the odds and did exactly that—repeating as state champions while four-peating as regional title holders.
In what Coach Desmond described as a “humbling ride,” the 2025 season was a story of development, resilience, and a team culture that thrives on unity and high expectations. It was a season that began with question marks and ended in yet another championship celebration.
The Leaders of the Pack
At the core of the team’s success was Jordan Scott, a once-in-a-generation talent and, according to Desmond, “not just the best player in Virginia, but a great leader.” Jordan did far more than fill up stat sheets. He brought a complete game—doing the dirty work, setting the tone with his work ethic, and inspiring teammates with his leadership. “Great player, better kid,” Desmond said. “He will be missed.”
Merrick Rillstone added energy and explosiveness to the lineup, particularly in second halves, where his slashing style became a momentum-shifting factor in several games. Seniors Alec Saunders and CJ Kemmermer brought invaluable experience and unselfishness to the court, often playing great team basketball and anchoring the locker room. Meanwhile, Toshi Elston acted as an extension of the coaching staff, a true “coach on the floor” who embraced the toughest roles without hesitation.
These players weren’t just contributing on paper—they were building and reinforcing a culture that has made South Lakes one of Virginia’s most respected programs.
Peaks, Valleys, and Turning Points
While the season was ultimately a triumph, it wasn’t without its challenges. In fact, one of the biggest turning points came during a loss—the first district championship loss in five years.
“It powered us to find another level,” Desmond recalled. “Sometimes a team needs to be stung to fully find themselves.” That moment lit a fire under the team, who rallied to claim the regional title once again and then pushed all the way through to repeat as state champions.
In a season where many assumed South Lakes might take a step back, the team turned that doubt into fuel, playing with a chip on their shoulders and a renewed sense of purpose.
Development From Within
Part of what made the 2025 season special was the emergence of new contributors who grew into bigger roles as the season progressed. Coach Desmond specifically pointed to Brady Thies and Kai Ramos, two players who weren’t household names at the start of the year but became trusted options off the bench. Their development speaks to the strength of the program and its ability to prepare players for high-pressure moments, regardless of experience level.
It was also a testament to the environment at South Lakes—an environment where growth is not only encouraged but expected.
No Excuses, Just Results
Coach Desmond emphasized the team’s mentality with a motto that sums up their 2025 journey: "FYJSTHU"—an acronym that means Forget Your Junk, Show the Heck Up.
“Injuries, losses—every challenge was an opportunity,” Desmond said. “We don’t have excuses, we just find results.”
It’s this mental toughness and mindset that propelled the Seahawks through a tough schedule, helped them weather difficult moments, and carried them across the finish line as champions once more.
The Senior Legacy
Leadership was a cornerstone of this year’s team, and the senior class set the standard.
“They are winners, and that is all they know,” Desmond said. Their experience, resilience, and leadership created a ripple effect that influenced the entire roster. They didn’t just talk about what it means to win the South Lakes way—they lived it, taught it, and passed it down to the younger players.
Their impact will be felt long after the final buzzer of the championship game, and they leave behind a legacy defined by toughness, excellence, and accountability.
Rebuilding... and Recharging
Looking ahead, Coach Desmond is honest about what lies in store for the program: a rebuild.
“This is the first time in a long time we’re not the favorite to win anything,” he said. But for Desmond, that’s part of the excitement. With younger players entering the fold, there’s a renewed energy. Rebuilding doesn’t mean starting over—it means recharging a program that has been on top for years.
While young players can be inconsistent, Desmond also sees the joy in their potential: “Young kids—while frustrating—are also fun.”
The Offseason Plan: Back to Basics
When asked what the offseason focus will be, Desmond gave a lighthearted but telling answer: “Everything. LOL.”
After a championship run, the goal isn’t to rest on success but to get back to work. With new players taking on bigger roles, South Lakes will look to polish skills, improve basketball IQ, and lay the groundwork for continued success in the years to come.
Whether it’s shooting, defense, decision-making, or leadership, the staff will be looking to bring the next generation of Seahawks up to speed in the South Lakes way.
A Program Built to Last
If there’s one thing the 2025 season proved, it’s that South Lakes is more than just talent—it’s about culture.
Replacing nearly an entire roster and still winning championships doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of a standard that’s been established through years of hard work, accountability, and belief in the process.
Coach Desmond and his staff have built a system that doesn’t rely on individual stars but instead relies on shared commitment, mental toughness, and unity.
Stats & Records
While team and individual stats aren’t posted publicly, Coach Desmond is happy to provide them upon request. Interested parties can reach out directly to him for more details on standout performers and team metrics.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 South Lakes Boys’ Basketball season was a masterclass in how to build, adapt, and dominate under pressure. A “rebuilding” year turned into another championship run thanks to exceptional leadership, emerging talent, and a culture that refuses to settle.
As the program enters a new era, it does so with the same core values and hunger that have made South Lakes a perennial powerhouse. The names may change, but the standard remains.
And with Coach Desmond at the helm, one thing’s certain: the future remains bright in South Lakes blue and green.
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