The winter sports season is underway, and the boys basketball team finds themselves with a new opportunity to build on the foundation they have laid in recent years. Coming off of a semi-final run in last year’s Central Coast Section Division V playoffs, the boys hope to make this season the best one yet with the help of new players and staff. 

New head coach Chris Jackson, previously an assistant coach of the Archbishop Mitty varsity boys basketball team, looks to redefine the reputation of Pinewood boys basketball. 

“We’re trying to build a culture of great effort and playing with joy and competitiveness,” Jackson said. “I think if we get those things established, the results will end up speaking for themselves.”

Doc Scheppler, who previously only oversaw the girls basketball team, will now oversee both the boys and girls basketball teams as the Director of Basketball Operations. Scheppler has taken the girls basketball program to great success, and he hopes to do the same with the boys program by establishing the same qualities he instills in the girls.

“There’s gonna be an emphasis on the fact that people are going to show up, do their best, be disciplined, and work hard,” Scheppler said. “My girls do it, so why can’t the guys do it?”

New players are hopping right on board, as freshman Christian Arcangel is buying into the mindset Jackson is introducing to the team.

“CJ pushes us to the absolute maximum,” Arcangel said. “He really cares about his players, and he’s going to bring change to our program.”

Another new player, Junior Braxton Kimura, who transferred to Pinewood from Bellarmine Preparatory School, has high hopes for the upcoming season.

“This year, we should aim to be above .500, get more league wins, and then hopefully go all the way in the playoffs,” Kimura said. “I want to put Pinewood boys basketball on the map.”

Jackson also highlights the long term goals he has for the program.

“I hope for the program to be completely transformed in terms of our perception in the community,” Jackson said. “I just want to bring a more consistent level of excitement, care, and love to the boys basketball program.”

With his vision of the future mapped out, Jackson emphasizes the importance of staying in the present.

“It’s a daily process of trying hard, showing up, caring about each other, and the way we go about practice,” Jackson said. “Every single day, my focus is going to be on having a better day than the day before.”