Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team Starting Strong in Preseason

SIMEON LAM
Sports Editor

As the first semester comes to a close, the fall season has all but passed with the winter season beginning. The varsity boys’ basketball team has already begun their season, a year after losing in the first round of the CIF playoffs. Head Coach Bryan Gonzalez comes in with high expectations since they have a few returners.

“We have a group of boys who have been in the program for four years now. We also have some underclassmen sprinkled in, which I feel will make a great combination,” Gonzalez said. “I feel [that] we are definitely in the top half of our league this year once again and look to compete for a league title.”

According to Gonzalez, the team has a solid combination of guards who are scoring threats. The squad also includes a skilled group of forwards who have the strength and size to make opposing defenses struggle. As of now, there are seven seniors led by captains Cesar Gomez and Matthew Aguilar.

“Strong guard play this year will, I think, definitely be one of our strengths,” Gonzalez said. “Keys will be to continue to work hard and [have] our captains provide leadership and focus for our group.”

During Thanksgiving break, the Moors hosted “The Moor Classic,” inviting teams from other districts in Los Angeles to compete in the tournament. The tournament marked the start of the season for the Moors. By the end of the week, the team found themselves with a 4-1 record, their only loss against the University Wildcats. The Moors hosted their next game against South El Monte Eagles on Friday, Dec. 5. This week, the squad will compete in the El Rancho Tournament against various teams starting with the Marina Vikings on Wednesday, Dec. 10.