At the halfway point of the season, the varsity basketball team has demonstrated grit and adaptability despite facing significant challenges. With the loss of four of five starters from last year, including senior point guard Khairi Hyde, who has been sidelined due to injury, the team has embraced a new identity built on hustle, speed and defense.
Hyde, instrumental in last year’s playoff run with averages of 9.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, has appeared in only one game this season. His absence has been a major factor in the team’s struggles, but his anticipated return could provide a much-needed boost.
Senior guard Shayan Kurup described the adjustments the team has made: “We did lose a lot of size this year, so our focus coming into the season was to not let other teams win the rebounding battle. In most games, we’ve been able to have a higher rebound total than bigger teams due to our pure hustle and aggression. Being smaller also allows us to play four guards on the court at a time, making us quicker than most teams, which leads to points in transition by beating teams up the floor.”
While the season has had its ups and downs, senior center Parsa Hashemi highlighted the importance of preparation: “When it’s game time, it’s very evident whether or not we practiced well the day before. Doing drills like the shell drill, three-man weave and closeout drills all translate to the actual game.”
Breaking Down the Season
The season opened with a 67-56 loss to Magruder on Dec. 5. The team struggled to find its rhythm against a disciplined opponent despite junior guard Chase Mitchell’s impressive 21-point performance.
On Dec. 10, the team faced Richard Montgomery in a nail-biter but came up just short in a 57-54 loss. Costly turnovers in the final seconds overshadowed senior guard Brenden Famulare’s solid game, where he recorded 15 points and six rebounds.
The first victory of the season came on Dec. 13 in a 64-59 win over Clarksburg. A strong defensive effort and effective transition offense helped seal the hard-fought win.
Four days later, the team delivered its most dominant performance of the season, defeating Northwood 79-42 on Dec. 16. Senior forward Jack Sullivan played a key role with 12 points and eight rebounds, leading a complete team effort.
The momentum continued on Dec. 18 with a 54-42 win at Rockville, where the team’s defense and rebounding once again proved crucial.
However, the team faced a setback on Dec. 20, falling to Churchill 60-47. Churchill’s physicality and fast-paced offense exposed the team’s struggles with turnovers and cold shooting.
The team participated in the Rockville Holiday Boys’ Basketball Classic, losing to Woodbridge 57-43 on Dec. 26 before bouncing back with a decisive 65-38 victory over Seneca Valley the next day.
Returning to league play, the team delivered a commanding 73-47 win over Walter Johnson on Jan. 9. Hashemi set the tone early with six points and six rebounds in the first quarter, while Mitchell led all scorers in a dominant performance.
The following night, the team ran into a tough Whitman squad, falling 80-52. Whitman, last year’s state runner-up, showcased their three-point shooting ability, making it difficult for the team to keep pace.
Finding Leadership Amid Change
With the loss of last year’s starters, junior Chase Mitchell has stepped up as the team’s offensive leader, averaging 17.3 points per game on 35% shooting from beyond the arc. His consistent scoring and composure have been instrumental in keeping the team competitive.
Senior players like Kurup and Hashemi have provided leadership on and off the court, while younger players, including JV freshman guard Chase Winokur, are showing potential. “How I want to improve is playing harder on defense and being more of a leader. A quote I live by is ‘hard work beats talent,’” Winokur said.
Looking Ahead
Sitting at 5-5, the team remains optimistic about the second half of the season. With a fast-paced style of play and a relentless focus on hustle and defense, they’ve proven they can compete with any opponent. “We play with hustle and aggression every game—it’s what defines us,” Kurup said.
The team is hopeful for Hyde’s return, which could strengthen their playoff push. With key players stepping into leadership roles and younger talent gaining valuable experience, the second half of the season presents an opportunity to build on their successes and make a deep postseason run.
The team looks forward to their next home game on Jan 21. where they square off against Sherwood.
