Unity Reed Boys Basketball: Building Blocks and Breakthroughs Under Coach Bryan Carroll
The 2025 winter season at Unity Reed High School marked a crucial step forward for the boys' basketball program, led by Head Coach Bryan Carroll. Though the team didn't hoist any championship banners just yet, the year was filled with unmistakable progress, promising player development, and a clearer sense of direction for the future.
Improving from four wins to seven this season, Unity Reed is steadily shifting from a team in transition to a program on the rise. With a strong group of returning players and a coaching vision focused on growth, structure, and identity, the pieces are coming together.
We caught up with Coach Carroll as part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Series, where he reflected on the highs, lows, key players, and his hopes for what lies ahead.
Standout Performers: Leaders on the Court
Two players stood out as undeniable leaders for Unity Reed this season, both statistically and in presence.
Charles Pargo was the team’s cornerstone, earning First Team All Cedar Run District honors thanks to a stellar stat line: 20.7 points and 7 rebounds per game. Pargo's impact extended far beyond numbers; his scoring consistency gave the team a fighting chance in every contest, while his rebounding contributed on both ends of the court. He became the focal point of opposing defenses and still managed to deliver game in and game out.
Alongside him, Ralphael Oshokoya proved to be a critical inside presence, finishing the season with 9 points and 9 rebounds per game, which earned him Second Team All Cedar Run District honors. Oshokoya's physicality and hustle in the paint helped Unity Reed compete against some of the toughest frontcourts in the district, and his development over the year added a valuable dimension to the team's interior game.
A Year of Growth: Steady Improvement
For Coach Carroll, this season wasn’t measured by just wins and losses—it was about laying the groundwork for long-term success. And by that measure, it was a season worth celebrating.
“We improved our win total from 4 wins the previous year to 7 wins this year,” Carroll said, emphasizing that even small gains represent major progress in building a competitive culture.
That upward trend reflects a team finding its identity and learning to trust the process. While they didn’t reach the playoffs this year, the foundation for future postseason runs is clearly in the making.
Learning From Pressure
Part of growth means learning to navigate adversity, and Unity Reed faced its fair share. From tough losses to high-pressure situations, the team was put to the test, often for the first time.
“The team had good moments and bad moments when handling pressure situations,” Carroll admitted. “A lot of that was due to not being in those situations before… Sometimes it worked out, and sometimes it didn’t.”
But each of those moments—whether they ended in triumph or disappointment—was a valuable lesson. The players gained firsthand experience in late-game decisions, composure under fire, and how to respond to setbacks, all of which will serve them well moving forward.
Senior Class Impact: Leading by Example
While only a few seniors took the court for Unity Reed this season, their leadership left a lasting impression on the program.
“The senior class provided leadership day in and day out,” Carroll shared. “They were the first ones to practice, they got the players organized to begin stretches and warm-ups, and they even organized group activities outside of practice.”
Their commitment helped foster a sense of accountability and unity, both essential ingredients for a young team trying to turn the corner. Though they’ll be missed on the court, their off-court contributions may have planted seeds that will grow for seasons to come.
The Future Looks Bright
Looking ahead, Coach Carroll is especially optimistic about the seven rising seniors who will lead the team next year. Many of them already have two to three years of varsity experience, which will be key in turning potential into performance.
“I feel that their leadership on and off the court will be something to watch,” Carroll said. “They are ready to propel this team and the program forward by reaching the playoffs.”
With seasoned veterans returning, Unity Reed will no longer be a team learning how to compete—they’ll be expected to compete.
Offseason Focus: Conditioning and Shooting
Coach Carroll is entering the offseason with a clear roadmap for improvement: conditioning and shooting.
“I feel that conditioning is very important—especially for a long high school season and the up-and-down style of play I would like for us to implement next year,” he explained. He envisions a more fast-paced, transition-heavy style, but that means players will need the stamina and fitness to sustain intensity for four quarters.
On the offensive side, the emphasis will be on expanding the team’s shooting range.
“I think that’s the next step for everyone on our team. We have a lot of players who like to attack the basket or shoot from mid-range, but I want us to be able to shoot from the 3-point line and beyond. That will open up more driving lanes and make us more dynamic offensively.”
It’s a smart plan—one that addresses both tactical execution and long-term player development.
Where to Follow Unity Reed
Fans and followers can track team stats and updates for Unity Reed High School Boys Basketball on MaxPreps.com, where player profiles, scores, and season recaps are posted throughout the year.
Final Thoughts: A Team on the Rise
Coach Bryan Carroll and the Unity Reed program are playing the long game. Their 2025 season wasn’t defined by a championship, but by measurable growth, deeper team chemistry, and a sharpened sense of who they are—and who they want to become.
With experienced leaders returning, offseason goals set, and a coach invested in the full development of his players, Unity Reed Basketball is trending in the right direction.
And if the passion and work ethic continue, the 2026 season could be the breakthrough that this program has been building toward.
As Coach Carroll summed it up best, “We're building something here.” And it’s starting to show.
Share With