BASKETBALL
“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.” – T. Allan Armstrong
To date, this has been Evangel Christian Schools finest basketball program thus far. We believe that in order to have a successful program our athletes not only need to be committed and invested in the team, but also to our philosophy and vision. In today’s society core values such as loyalty, dedication, selflessness, and hard work have seemed to be forgotten. Often corners are cut leaving projects incomplete or one is willing to sacrifice another to get ahead in the workplace. Our goal is to get a group of athletes to whole-heartedly believe and practice these core concepts. If you can succeed in instilling these values within your players, not only will they succeed on the court, but more importantly they will be successful in life.
Our Boys Varsity Basketball team made their first ever appearance in the Private School Athletics Association (PSAA) championship game this year. Every single game was a struggle to win. But, it was their dedication, motivation, and commitment to each other that allowed them to persevere. We ended last years season not only with a list of goals to complete this year, but with a list on how to achieve these goals. Captains Joaquin Pardo, Jonathan Bonifas, and Geordan Gibson not only challenged each other, but their teammates. There was no such thing as an easy practice. If you left practice with energy, then you were holding out on the team. You gave your everything during practices hoping to leave better then when you first set foot on the court. We were not naive as to think things would be handed to us, but we believe that if we embodied these core values our game/life would reflect our ethic. We ended the regular season tied for second place with a record of 6-4 and were runners up in the playoffs. I am very proud of you guys and I only hope that you not only take these values with you as you go beyond high school, but apply them in everything you do.
This has been the first year we have had a Girls Varsity Basketball team. We decided to go varsity after last year’s junior varsity semifinals game. “Coach, we know we can compete on the varsity level.” Our girls are always looking for a challenge. They never shy away from one, rather they welcome it and rise to the occasion. Practices were electric and full of energy. Often making our full court games rather interesting. We ended the regular season in second place and third overall. I have had the pleasure of coaching many of these girls for threes years and it has been a privilege to watch them grow.
If one word could be used to describe our Boys Junior Varsity Basketball team it would be talented. From as early as tryouts, they were told that there would be a direct relation between winning and the work they put in. “Lets get started,” was their response. We began the season hungry and as the season progressed that feeling got stronger. Not only were they focused on winning the Championship, but on improving their skills so they could compete next year on the varsity level. Leadership is a quality that all coaches pray their athletes possess. To find one or two is a rarity. I have been blessed to have several players demonstrate this desired quality. We finished the season as Undefeated Regular Season Champions, with a record of 10-0 and went on to claim the title of Playoff Champions. What a season you guys. We set out for a perfect season and we accomplished it. I cannot wait to see what is in store for next year.
When other coaches hear that I am the coach of all three teams they cannot believe it. “I have enough headaches with just one, how can you possibly do three?” they say. I think about this question often and when I do I begin to smile. Our student athletes at Evangel are unlike no other. They have a fire burning within them, something that leaves a lasting impression. They are willing to work hard and be pushed to their limits. They are diligent and encouraging. They are responsible and are hands down leadership material. With students like this how could anyone not want to be involved? I know I told you this already, but you guys are my pride and joy. When I hear parents bragging about their 2 or 3 children I laugh because I get to brag about 37 of mine.
~Coach Wong
Special Awards & Recognition:
Boys Varsity Basketball: Senior Sean Villalba All Division. Junior Geordan Gibson All Conference.
Girls Varsity Basketball: Senior Natalia Alverez All Division. Juniors Karas Bonifas & Angie Arroyo All Conference.
Boys Junior Varsity Basketball: Sophomores Demetrious Johnson All Conference & Playoff MVP. Anthony Cabrera All Conference & Regular Season MVP. Matthew Gonzalez All Conference. Freshman Josiah Bonifas All Division.
Congratulations to all!
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