As the fall season comes to a close, Paly Boys Basketball kicks off the 2024-2025 season, gathering new excitement for what is to come. Last year, the team had a successful season, finishing 2nd in league and making it to the regional semifinals of the CIF Basketball championship. Despite having lost some key senior players from last year, the team has high expectations as they enter the season. 

Since the summer, the team has been preparing for the season, building up team chemistry and their skill.

“The team prepared for the season through lots of open gyms, and we had summer league as well as some fall games too,” senior Shreyas Shashi said.

So far, the team has already shown success in the first few match-ups of the season to start off strong. The team beat Pacific Grove 60-51 in the first game of the season, and then decisively took down Sequoia 86-60 on Tuesday, December 6. 

After losing in the quarter finals last year, the team has high aspirations this season.  

“The goal for the season is to get back to the spot that we were last year, and we also want to win league and win states,” senior Jeremiah Fung said. “We look pretty solid and are shaping up to do well.”

After losing six seniors, the Vikings look to fill their shoes while also building up team chemistry with new teammates.  

“We are getting there, but everyone likes each other,” Shashi said. “It is just a matter of time before we really feel the energy together.”

With high hopes for success, challenge the team will have to navigate is being able to balance Paly academics along with putting hard work into the daily practices and weekly games, as there is a lot of pressure placed on student-athletes to keep up with both responsibilities. Paly’s next game is an away game against Sacred Heart, and they are counting on continuing their momentum with a commanding victory.

Coming to games to show support is valuable and creates an electric and spirited atmosphere, so make sure to attend the games to watch the teams in action!