Boys’ basketball returns to the court
Manny Lopez / contributor
Coming into a new season, boys’ basketball looks to have a successful season. After putting in a lot of practice, the Samo boys’ basketball team is more determined than ever and looking forward to their ’25-’26 season.
Last year, the Vikings ended their season with an overall record of 14-13, going 4-4 in league games, not quite making the cut for the playoffs. This year, the boys’ basketball team looks forward to their season and is excited to see how their hard work in the fall pre-season pays off. Having had six varsity seniors graduate last year, the team looks forward to filling the spots left behind.
Onieli Thruston (’26), a guard on the varsity Samo boys’ basketball team, expressed his takeaways from last season and how he and the rest of the team are prepared to work hard for a spot in the playoffs.
“I’ve learned that each game really matters and that we have to go out there and give it 100 [percent] so come end of season, we won’t have to win games, we should just be able to coast into playoffs,” Thruston said.
Before their first pre-league game on Nov. 17, head coach James Hecht shared his excitement for the upcoming season.
“I couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming season,” Hecht said. “The guys have been working extremely hard. We’ve had a great preparation in the fall to get ready for tip-off next week and I’m looking forward to a group of guys that will play hard and play together.”
The Vikings are looking forward to their upcoming season. Currently 8-1 in their pre-season play, boys’ basketball is setting themselves up for a successful run in Ocean League. Samo has many excitements and expectations going forward with their season, including having fun with their team, but also making a run for the CIF Championship.
When asked about his hopes for this season, Dominykas Kajota (’26) shared his thoughts.
“Honestly, just trying to win a lot of games this year, have a lot of fun with my teammates, and hopefully win CIF,” Kajota said.
Boys’ basketball’s first game was against Los Angeles High School, resulting in a 77-31 win for Samo, gaining them momentum continuing into their pre-season. Samo’s record is now 8-1, going almost undefeated in their pre-season play. The Vikings' next home game is on Friday, Dec. 12, against Crossroads High School.