Fresh faces to key to boys basketball team
Point Guard King Njhsanni-Wilhite ‘23 goes in for a layup.
December 14, 2022
With so many new players coming in, it can be challenging to run a teaThe Crusader basketball 2022-2023 season is off to a strong start, winning their 63rd Crusader Classic.
On Nov. 17 fans got a look at what the season is going to look like with the first win in a scrimmage against Jefferson High School. The boys varsity team is full of new talent and skill.
One new face to the team, Kaia Berridge ’24 said, “Coming here has just created so many opportunities.” He added, “back in NZ, we have quite a bit of talented players, but the talent in America is so much better and the level of basketball here is so much higher. The atmosphere you would get at a US high school game is something you won’t get in New Zealand.”
With only five returning players this season, it’s crucial to get the new guys familiar with the team that’s been built.
“We just have a different type of team, new players in style and size. Blending the old with the new,” said 6 season Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Joseph Curtin ’01.
m, but Ccoach Curtin has shown the boys what it’s like to be a team player and lift each other up.
“Sometimes it can be a tough thing, a learning curve. The group we have now everyone gets along works hard. They’re just good kids, it’s been really really great,” Curtin said.
“Sometimes it can be a tough thing, a learning curve. The group we have now everyone gets along works hard. They’re just good kids, it’s been really really great” — Coach Curtin ‘01
Every day, except Sundays, the team can be found lifting weights, conditioning in the gym, or playing on the court. Not only do they work on their skills, but also on getting to know each other, having six new members/transfers.
Another new addition to the team, Nathan Tshmala ’24, said he decided to come to Riordan for the basketball program to keep learning and improving.
Returning player, Christian Wise ’23 said, “It’s a little tough getting to know everyone, having people from all over the place, but it’s been good at the same time.”
Nonetheless, collectively, they all have the goal of winning CCS again, like last year, and eventually State.
