The first preseason game for Aliso took place on Nov. 20 against Laguna Beach High School. It was the first game with the new team as ten of their players graduated last year. The team’s strength, communication, and teamwork shined bright as they took home their first win, the score being 74-52.
Aliso played St. Margaret’s High School on Nov. 25. The team once again showed their great teamwork and took home the win for Aliso with a score of 68-49.
The Wolverines scraped by in their game against Huntington Beach High School. Both teams consistently put points on the scoreboard, yet Aliso prevailed in the end and took home the win 64-62, winning by only two points.
On Nov. 29, Aliso played Los Amigos High School. With their winning streak in mind, the boys pressured the other team and took home a win for Aliso with a score of 61-52.
The Wolverines played Loyola High School on Nov. 30. The game ended in a loss for Aliso of 36-72.
Aliso’s boys basketball team recently partook in the El Rancho Tournament. Starting on Dec. 2, the boys played a different team each day.
In the first round, Aliso played Quartz Hill High School. The game was close, each team coming back when the other scored. The game went into overtime, and Aliso narrowly lost 74-75 after a last-second shot for the win rimmed out.
On day two of the tournament, the boys played Schurr High School and took home the win for Aliso, 62-40. The team has two more games left in the tournament. The boys play Upland High School on Dec. 6 and their last game on Dec. 7 will be decided based on the outcome against Upland.
This year the team is playing in the Sea View League. Two-year varsity athlete, Noah Shihad (12) states, “The difference between last year and this year is that we have more guards and are talented offensively. We’ll have to focus on defense and execute from there.”
The captains in the 2024-2025 season are Carter Mills (12) and Jayden Mysin (11).
When asked about a particular game the team is looking forward to, Mills states, “The game against Capo because the 2005 team will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their CIF championship.”
The Wolverines are determined to win every game they play. Junior Jay Keys states, “Our goal is to win twenty games and a league championship.”
The team remains dedicated, putting in relentless effort during practice to keep improving for their upcoming games. Viraaj Kakkad (12) states, “[I hope to] get a dunk in a game.”
The boys’ practices typically include a mix of ball handling, layups, shooting drills, defensive exercises, free throws, running plays, scrimmages, and rebounding drills.
As the team looks ahead to the start of league games, they are ready to face new challenges, push their limits, and continue building on the momentum they’ve built. Aliso’s infamous “Den” can expect exciting matchups, and the team is eager to make their mark on the court.
