It’s boys’ basketball season. Cougar Nation, get excited!
Last season, the boys varsity basketball team ended with a record of 13-1 behind the work of seniors Souleymane Camara and Chase Perez, The team worked hard to play with determination and resilience and made it all the way to the City semi-finals.
This year, fueled by that loss in the semi-finals, the team has returned with renewed motivation and a clear vision: Championship or Nothing.
Opening the 2025–2026 season with an impressive 6–0 record, the boys look ready to make another run at the chip.
However, the Boys Varsity Basketball stands for more than just a team.
Varsity basketball coaches Campbell (called Coach Radar) and Harrington shared their goals for the season, highlighting both on-court success and player development.
“My hopes for this year are to bring home another city championship back to the South Bronx, hang another banner up in that gym, and submit some of these guys to legacy in the basketball program,” said Coach Campbell.
While they talk about their goals as a team, Coach Harrington focuses on more than just their achievements.
“Well, we do a lot for the guys. First, we have a model in our program that’s bigger than basketball, where it’s not just about basketball, it’s about them as a whole. A lot of our program is based on mentorship and guidance,” said Coach Harrington.
Specifically, Harrington zooms in on what he and Coach Radar want for their players.
“It’s more than basketball; it’s making sure they become the young men they should be in life. You know we have a saying: basketball stops dribbling. Once it stops, what type of person are you going to be? What did you learn from this game?” said Coach Harrington.
For Jayden Brito (Class of 2026), a member of the varsity basketball team, the game represents far more than competition. He says basketball plays a central role in both his life and the lives of his teammates.
“For a lot of us, it’s our lifestyle and the way we choose to live. Many of us are looking ahead to playing at the next level and creating real opportunities for our future,” said Jayden.
Fellow senior Erik Llivichuzhca (Class of 2026) emphasized the discipline and commitment required to be part of the team, offering advice to students hoping to follow in their footsteps.
“One piece of advice I have is to keep working hard. Being on this team takes a lot of dedication, but that’s what leads to growth and success. You learn from the people around you and you don’t let mistakes define who you are” said Erik.
While both players highlight the personal and competitive importance of basketball, they agree that this season carries a deeper meaning for the team.
“This season has become bigger than just basketball. After the passing of Jordan Agyemang, we’re motivated to make this season special, not just for his legacy, but for his family as well,” said Jayden.
For Paulino Garcia (Class of 2029), basketball is more than a game, it is a place of comfort.
“It makes me calm down, and I don’t think too much,” Garcia said.
On the court, Garcia feels most like himself, surrounded by teammates in a space where he can focus and escape outside pressure. Still, his path hasn’t been easy.
“People tell me I don’t deserve to be on the varsity team,” he said. “But I can’t let other opinions slow me down.”
Garcia earned his spot, even though he is just a freshman, through discipline and hard work, focusing on improving his skills and listening closely to his coaches. Balancing school and sports, he says, comes with pressure but also motivation.
“Being a student-athlete is rewarding,” Garcia said. “I’ve learned to stop being afraid and just focus on playing my game.”
Ultimately, fear is not an obstacle for these boys because their vision is greater!
“I have seen the development in a lot of guys over the years, so every year it’s a different story, different group, I think this one is going to be special due to the storyline that has already been told,” said Coach Radar.
