Our Chip Chasing Season aka boys and girls basketball season at HS223 and South Bronx Prep has come to an end.
The girls and boys basketball teams, who incorporate students from both HS223 and South Bronx Prep, are celebrating after a successful 2025-2026 season. The boys team’s run ended in the City Semi-Finals while the girls team were crowned Bronx Borough champions, Class 3A City Champions but lost to Moore Catholic in the Undisputed PSAL vs. CHSAA 50-48.
“I feel like the season went well and I’m glad I got to finish this season off with a very special group,” said Falla Mbacke (Class of 2027)
Having basketball teams that play at such a high level brings people together throughout the HS223 community.
“Both teams have a goal and you have to put in the time and effort. The team I see in November is never the same team I see in March, it’s how you navigate the season,” said South Bronx Prep principal Ms. Flannigan.
Both the girls and the boys teams were awarded the #1 seed in the city playoffs; the fourth time the girls have been awarded the honor and the first time that the boys have gotten it.
“I am proud of the fact that both teams are really humble and how they carry themselves. I’m excited about all of it,” said Ms. Flannigan.
Both boys and girls teams won by 60 in their first games of the playoffs and never looked back.
“It was important to keep that determination and hunger and desire to win. I always think if we go in there with the right mindset and play Cougar basketball we can compete with anyone,” said boys head coach Coach Campbell.
For the girls team it came down to experience and toughness.
“I feel like this team has been battle tested all year,” said girls head coach, Coach Trawally.
A large effort is made by both teams to celebrate the individual as much as the athlete.
“Both coaches are more focused on developing their players more as people. They sacrifice a lot and always show up for their players no matter what,” said Ms. Flannigan.
And despite losing, there is still a lot to look forward to for the teams going forward.
“I always expect them to be at their absolute best and show their talents throughout the game whether it’s on the bench or in the playing field supporting one another” said Mia Suazo (Class of 2027 SBP) .
The Cougars and Lady Cougars have always stood for being more than just a team and that won’t change in the future.
“The more important things about a team are family that you keep forever, a good team makes you a better person it’s not always about winning, it has helped the kids to become better young people,” said Ms. Flannigan.
