After falling just short in last year’s CIF Finals, the San Dimas Varsity Boy’s Basketball Team is hungry for redemption. With a mix of returning players and talented newcomers, the Saints are focused on bouncing back from last season in order to reach their goal for another deep playoff run this year. As the season approaches, the goals and expectations are clear, but the best insight comes straight from the players themselves. Seniors, and underclassman share their thoughts on what this season means, the challenges ahead, and what it will take to make San Dimas a Championship contender once again.
Andrew Diep, Senior Captain
Senior point guard and three-year varsity starter Andrew Diep shares his optimism and excitement for his final year playing basketball with his friends. Diep embraces his role as a senior, captain, and a mentor, as he wants to help guide his younger teammates. “Being a captain is no different than what it has been for the last 3 years. I will yet again be a form of coaching within the team, and always look out for my teammates when they’re confused or lost,” Andrew Diep said. “I do not feel any type of pressure of leading this team because I am constantly reminded that I have been in this situation before and have thrived in it” Diep hopes to leave an impression on his younger teammates in order to set them up for success in the future. “I want to show the underclassmen what it means to be locked in within every aspect of the game and life as a whole,” Diep said. “So I believe that if they learn how to do these things, they will be set up for success.”
Angelo Fares, Senior Captain
Senior shooting guard and three-year varsity starter Angelo Fares enters the season with confidence and focus. “I feel pretty confident going into season,” Angelo Fares said. “I know me and the guys have been working for every game.” Angelo highlights his excitement for key matchups this year. “I’m definitely looking forward to the Bonita game this year, but more importantly, the playoff games, we need to make another run,” Fares said. When asked about the doubt and criticism this year, he sees obstacles as fuel. “I personally like being doubted, it just makes us play harder,” Fares said.
Michael Young-Bowers, Senior
Senior guard and two-year varsity player Michael Young-Bowers enters this season with determination. “This is my senior year, and I’m finally going to have a prominent role on varsity,” Michael Young-Bowers said. “I’ve put in so much work the past four years, and despite setbacks, I’m ready to enjoy this season for all it has to offer.” Known for his defensive tenacity and energy, Young-Bowers expressed his challenge as being the shortest on the team, however that isn’t stopping him from becoming a key-piece in this offensive dynamic. “Being the energy and defensive guy is a testament to my mentality, and this year I want to improve my catch-and-shoot threes and be someone the coaches can trust at the end of a game to secure a win,” Young-Bowers explained.
Noah Walter, Junior
Junior Guard and first-year varsity transfer Noah Walter expresses his readiness to make an immediate impact for San Dimas. “I feel really good about how I will perform and I’m ready to compete this season,” Noah Walter said. Adjusting to a new team comes with challenges, however Noah has adapted quickly. “The change from transferring from Los Osos was an adjustment, and learning the new plays was tough at first, but I adapted fast and got comfortable in my new environment,” Walters said. On or off the court, Walters is focused on growth. “I want to improve my individual skills, ball handling, shooting, but also grow as a leader and help build team chemistry so we can compete at a high level, win every game, and make CIF,” Walter expressed.
AJ Silva, Sophomore
Sophomore guard and first-year varsity player AJ Silva enters this season with a mix of fear and excitement. “I feel a little scared a little excited because it is my first year on varsity,” AJ Silva said. “I feel I still need to prove I can handle playing with guys older than me.” Despite being one of the younger players, AJ wants to eliminate the pressures and prove that he can be counted on.
