The boys’ varsity basketball season showcased their grit, growth, and refusal to quit despite the tough competition they faced.
This season presented challenges for the team of two seniors, four juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen. Compared to previous years, the team this year was underclassman-heavy, and with that came the challenges of playing against bigger, faster and older players. Coach Eric Graves said that the players overcame these challenges throughout the season. “This team, being so young, has shown growth throughout the season. One of the areas we have seen the most improvement in is our adjustment to the speed and physicality of the varsity game,” Graves said.
The team ended with a record of 6-16, getting kicked out in the first round of playoffs on Feb. 27 versus Northwood, where they lost 66-61. Looking at the postseason, the Patriots will continue working hard, continuing to build chemistry and setting a foundation for future success. Before the final game, sophomore Darnell Engoto said, “What motivates me is wanting to improve and help my team win. I also don’t want to let my teammates or coaches down, so I work hard in practice and games. Seeing our progress as a team and knowing that hard work pays off keeps me motivated throughout the season,”
Every contest, whether a close victory or a hard-fought defeat, has added experience for a group of players who strive to be the best. “I stayed positive after tough losses by thinking about how one loss doesn’t define me or my season and just to keep grinding,” sophomore Chase Winokur said.
Graves emphasized the importance of confidence, toughness, resilience and growth throughout the season to his players. The coaching staff challenged players to separate themselves from others and push themselves to the best of their ability, and to know that the harder they work, the more it reflects in their game. “Confidence, toughness, and trust come from within our daily routines and habits. The reality is that most people quit when things get hard. That is where we separate ourselves, by continuing to work and persevering,” Graves said.
The underclassman brother duo, sophomore Chase Winokur and freshman Brody Winokur, quickly became two of the most recognizable players on the roster. Their natural chemistry from years of playing with each other was evident in transition opportunities and quick passing sequences. Sophomore Chase brought confident ball-handling, off-ball movement and acting as a threat from the point arc, creating multiple chances. “It’s been great playing with my brother; we have been playing together for almost our whole lives. Our chemistry definitely helps reflect how we play because we trust each other and keep each other accountable,” sophomore Chase Winokur said.
Brody complements his brother with his strong defensive work, quick passing and ultimately his leadership on the court. Freshman Brody Winokur averaged four points, three assists, and three rebounds in games. For his first year of high school basketball, he marked his spot and left an impression on everyone despite being an underdog. “I tried this season to contribute little things like guarding the best player or communicating on the bench. The highlight of my season was when I had a game-winning assist to Darnell versus Walter Johnson,” freshman Brody Winokur said.
Both players boosted the tempo of the games. As underclassmen, being able to play through high-pressure moments impressed both the coaches and fans. The duo represented not just an entertaining spark from the team but also a promising foundation for the program’s future.
Despite the team’s record and early exit in the playoffs, multiple players have shown promise. Senior Chase Mitchell has been a scoring threat, while teammates have contributed in assorted roles, whether through defense, rebounding or ball movement during tight possessions. Mitchell stood out as one of the top scorers. Mitchell hit 1,000 career points during his game versus Walter Johnson, where he helped the team take a victory over the Wildcats. “Going into the season, hitting 1,000 points was definitely on my mind, but my main priority was getting as far as we could as a team in the playoffs,” Mitchell said.
Another freshman left an impression on fans. Freshman Kevin Roth was a massive contributor to the team, averaging eight points and two assists, and through his promised three-pointer shot, his grit and passion for the game were evident on the court. “I try to make my teammates better and push them along with myself. On the court, I try to score the ball efficiently and get teammates involved. I work hard so that the team and I can be the best we can,” Roth said.
The JV boys basketball team concluded its season with a 9-5 record. This team was filled with underclassmen who showed they could handle pressure in key moments, their resilience, and steady growth throughout the season. Key players to keep an eye out for next 2026-2027 season are sophomore Cyrus Alam, sophomore Landric Mounce, sophomore Shaurya Palan, and sophomore Sam Dyer. “I think our season as a whole went pretty well overall, we started off the season on a high note winning three or four games straight but then hit a lull towards winter break where we had to reevaluate what needed to be done to be a successful team, I think our underestimation of other teams could definitely be improved for next season as there were a couple games where we were very confident we would win but ended up losing,” Dyer said.
These players contributed more than just skills to the game. They showed their passion and growth throughout the season and were able to get playing time and showcase what they’ve practiced in a more intense competition setting.
