As district play is nearing the halfway point, the boys basketball team is off to an exceptional start, making this season their most impressive start in recent years.
With a winning record of 12-3, the team is currently No. 1 in the Potomac district and No. 7 in Virginia’s 5A rankings. The boys tremendous success is largely credited to their camaraderie and work ethic.
“I think this year, we have had a lot more teamwork, and we work together more,” shooting guard and captain Carter Burnes said. “In years past, we didn’t really work as a team.”
After the boys basketball program won states in 2021, the Bulldogs have not been able to advance past the beginning of the regional tournament. Now, being No. 1 in the district, the athletes have big expectations for playoffs.
“We are successful because we are playing as one whole team,” point guard Kevin Reyes said. “Not a bunch of players trying to play by themselves.”
The Bulldogs chemistry and team-first mentality has been the cause of a lot of notable wins, including a nail-biting double overtime win against Riverside and a standout win against a very talented Pot Falls team. Over winter break, the Bulldogs had another big feat, placing first in the Colgan Winter Tournament, beating Colgan by 10 points in the finals.
“My favorite memory was winning the Colgan Winter Tournament,” Burnes said. “We were prepared and performed very well.”
There are several players that impact this team, including forward Kaden Golston who leads the team in rebounding, averaging 9.7 rebounds a game. Additionally, point guard Kevin Reyes leads the team in scoring, averaging 18.3 points a game.
Behind the scenes lies head coach, Kent Cling. Coach Cling has been head coach of the program for the past 7 years, starting his first season in 2019. In 2021, he led the Bulldogs to a state title, beating out Green Run High school in the finals. Since then, the basketball team has not returned to a state title game, but Coach Cling has coached many successful teams and is now using his plentiful experience to perfect this talented team of players.
“The coaches try to keep us on the right track and [the coaches] keep our minds focused,” Reyes said. “They keep us from being goofy and lazy by pushing us.”
Coach Cling’s motivational strategies and smart game plans are bolstered by player buy-in and senior leadership, too. From pushing each other during pre-season conditioning to picking each other up after just a few disappointing losses, the boys never let each other crumble thanks to their leaders on and off the court.
“I contribute to the senior leadership on the team,” forward Nathan Hughes said. “I help younger players understand the plays and just stuff that the coach wants.”
With an older team roster, bringing home a state championship is the end goal for the boys. The Bulldogs will continue to construct their winning record at home against Riverside High School on Thursday, Jan. 22nd at 7:00 p.m.
“I hope we can win the district,” Burnes said, “and do well in the regional and state tournament.”
