2025 Winter Season Recap: A Historic Year for St. Cloud High School Boys Basketball
For St. Cloud High School Boys Basketball, the 2025 winter season was not just another year—it was a statement. Under the leadership of Head Coach Tommy Billiteri, the Bulldogs not only shattered school records but also redefined the expectations of what the program could achieve. Finishing with a 24-5 record, the team made school history by notching the most wins in a single season and winning a regional playoff game for the first time ever.
With a balanced roster featuring experienced seniors, rising juniors, and promising sophomores, St. Cloud was a formidable force on the court from start to finish.
Balanced Roster, Unified Mission
Coach Billiteri emphasized the team’s strength came not from one star, but from a balanced mix of seniors, juniors, and underclassmen. Leading the charge were seniors Josiah Cotto and Alex Springs, who provided the stability and leadership necessary to guide a team with lofty goals.
“They helped lead the attack for us,” said Billiteri. “They’ve been instrumental in our turnaround the last two years.”
But the success of this season can also be attributed to a core group of five juniors who stepped into critical roles: Malaki Baker, Ryan Rodriguez, Samuel Perez, Diomar Ortiz, and Elias Torres. These players were instrumental in St. Cloud’s on-court performance and are now poised to carry the torch as the team’s senior leaders in 2026.
A Season of Milestones
Finishing 24-5, St. Cloud's season was nothing short of historic. After starting the year undefeated for more than a month, the Bulldogs surged through regular season play, winning big games and overcoming challenges.
“This was the best season in school history,” Coach Billiteri proudly noted. “We made it to the regional semi-finals and picked up the first regional playoff win in school history.”
The season was filled with highlights, but one of the proudest moments for the team came in the regional playoffs, when they defeated a strong Olympia team just days after a heartbreaking three-point loss in the district championship game. That resilience—bouncing back from adversity to deliver a critical win—spoke volumes about the team’s maturity and focus.
Stepping Up and Growing Into Roles
While every member of the team contributed in some way, the development of the junior class stood out.
“All five of my juniors really took major steps forward this year,” said Coach Billiteri. “I can’t wait to see what their senior season has in store.”
Having been in the program for several years, many of these juniors are not new to the varsity level. Their experience, combined with their recent growth, positions them as key figures in the continued rise of the Bulldogs’ basketball program.
Handling Pressure Like Pros
It’s not just talent that defines great teams—it’s how they respond to pressure, setbacks, and high-stakes moments. In this regard, St. Cloud demonstrated championship-level poise.
“We did a fantastic job of handling adversity and overcoming it,” Coach Billiteri shared. “We never lost two games in a row all season.”
Whether dealing with tough losses, close games, or injuries, the team stayed focused and responded with intensity. This consistency and resilience became a hallmark of the Bulldogs’ identity throughout the year.
Seniors Who Set the Tone
Although they will be graduating, seniors Josiah Cotto and Alex Springs leave behind more than just memories—they leave a legacy.
“They gave our team a real confidence that we could beat anyone,” Billiteri explained. “And that belief will carry on through our juniors and the classes behind them.”
It’s this kind of cultural impact—confidence, leadership, commitment—that builds a lasting foundation for long-term success. Both Cotto and Springs helped instill the winning mindset that now permeates the locker room.
The Future Looks Bright
Perhaps the most exciting takeaway from this historic season is that St. Cloud’s rise is just beginning. With a seasoned group of juniors returning next year as seniors, Coach Billiteri is confident the program’s momentum will only grow.
“My excitement for this upcoming season is at an all-time high,” he said. “Our senior class of 2026 has been the face of the St. Cloud turnaround.”
Having already broken a multi-decade streak of losing seasons, these players are now focused on elevating the program to state-level prominence. They’ve proven they can compete with the best—and they’re not done yet.
Eyes on the Offseason
No successful season ends without reflection—and preparation for the next challenge. Coach Billiteri and his staff have laid out clear goals for the offseason: get stronger, shoot better, and execute more efficiently.
“No matter how much success we have, we’re always hungry to get better,” he emphasized.
This growth mindset is what separates programs that have a great season from those that build a lasting tradition. The Bulldogs are focused not just on maintaining success, but leveling up in every aspect of the game.
Staying Connected
For those interested in following the Bulldogs’ journey and reviewing individual and team statistics, Coach Billiteri notes that up-to-date stats are available on MaxPreps.com. The numbers tell part of the story, but the transformation underway at St. Cloud speaks for itself.
Conclusion: A Program Reborn
The 2025 season wasn’t just the best in school history—it was the beginning of a new era. With record-setting wins, a breakthrough playoff victory, and a roster filled with motivated returners, St. Cloud Boys Basketball is no longer the underdog. They’re a force to be reckoned with.
Under Coach Tommy Billiteri’s leadership, the Bulldogs have turned the page on a decades-long narrative of mediocrity and rewritten their story as one of resilience, growth, and belief.
The 2026 season can’t come soon enough—and when it does, the state of Florida better be ready. St. Cloud is no longer looking to prove they belong. They’re here to win.
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