Falcon hoopsters welcome newcomers

As the winter sports season kicks off, the boys' basketball team is rebuilding with additions, such as junior Jonathan Cai and sophomores Tyler Torrens, Will Turpin and Harrison Fong.

The Falcons look to improve on last season's 18-7 overall record (10-2 El Camino League finish) and make it into CCS in the El Camino League under the direction of varsity coach Trevor Naas. They also hope to play well against their toughest opponents, Gunn and Monta Vista.

To achieve these goals, they will strongly rely on their returning seniors for leadership on the court, such as shooting guard Joseph Eschen, shooting guard Tyler Yoshihara and power forward Jatin Mohanty.

According to Eschen, most of the team trained in open gym throughout the spring and competed together in a summer league.

“We're conditioning harder than we ever have, especially in my two other years at being at this level,” Eschen said. “We want to be able to push the pace of the game and take control of games using our endurance.”

Eschen noted that this season’s success will require all-out effort, and that the team’s entire roster will be vital.

“We have a few sophomores coming up from football so [we] expect them, as well as our returning juniors and seniors, to contribute well and have an impact on the team,” Eschen said.

Eschen said he believes Fong, who will be playing the wing position and has potential to become one of the team’s leading scorers will be a key addition to the varsity team, although Fong is joining the team late due to his commitment to football.

“I don't know if I've made it [on the varsity team] yet, but it would be my goal to help the team move up a division and make it to CCS,” Fong said.

Fong said he has been practicing for the wing position and played in the summer league with the team this summer. He also practiced with his brother, senior shooting guard Gabriel Fong.

As usual, the team will have to find players who can fill key roles from last year’s seniors. Those alumni include point guard Michael Cole, small forward Gino Caloiaro and power forward Kevin Lee.

The Falcons will play their first game at home against Westmont on Nov. 24.