Boys Basketball Season Recap
February 27, 2023
The boy’s basketball team had an amazing season with 18 wins and 6 losses so far. The previous season ended with the team’s morale at an ultimate high with 10-2 in league wins in the 21-22 season last year.
The team lost many seniors, but new captains Jackson Martin (‘23) and Mert Yanar (‘23) were able to keep the team together. Martin and Yanar led the team through many successful wins and worked to ensure the team remained as motivated as they were at the beginning of the season.
“I think we are a very good team, and we [the captains] make sure that their energy stays high throughout the game,” Martin (‘23) said.
Starting the season off strong, the team won against long-time rival Gunn, 47-37, at home. The team continued to work hard and won against Willow Glen, Mountain View, El Camino, Cupertino, and Los Altos. However, they lost against powerhouses Los Gatos, Menlo Atherton, and Saratoga.
Despite several bad games, the team was able to bounce back after each loss and improve on their mistakes during practices.
“We came together during practices, and we definitely played as a team, both offensively and defensively. I’m very proud of how we did,” Alaap Nair (‘24) said.
After honing in on their mistakes, the Paly team beat Mountain View and placed fourth seat for CCS. Paly faced off against Wilcox for their first round in CCS. With Wilcox holding the lead in the fourth quarter, Jackson Martin scored a quick three and a free throw which was followed up by Jorell Clark (‘25) hitting a layup and a free throw. Paly defeated Wilcox 56-55 and moved on to face Bellarmine in the CCS semi-finals.
“We really just locked in. We got a few steals, drew a few fouls, and it was really just us at the end of the game,” Alaap Nair (‘24) said.
However, the team’s season was cut short after losing in the semi-finals to Bellarmine. Despite efforts to close the gap in the fourth quarter, Paly lost to Bellarmine 56-40. Captain Mert Yanar reflected on the team’s performance after the game.
“Playing good teams like this, you can’t ease into the game. You have to be sharp from the beginning … You have to bring the aggression the whole game or else you fall behind quick,” Mert Yanar (‘23) said.
Despite not winning CCS, the Boys Basketball team still ended their season strong and placed second in their league. The team hopes to improve over the off-season and come back even more prepared for the next season.
The graduating seniors on senior night!
