Hailey Higton

Autumn leaves fall, cold wind blows and fog rolls in as the Central Valley welcomes winter – and with it basketball season. The boys had an exceptional league season last year finishing 11-3, but were knocked out in the first round of playoffs. As of Nov. 24, preseason is shaping the team for an ambitious league season.

Boys’ basketball is coached by Athletic Director Jonathan Penberthy, who returns with high hopes for the new season.

“We play a pretty tough schedule, so we want to really challenge our team with the hope of getting them ready for a deep playoff run,” Penberthy said. “They have all really improved as individuals and as a unit.”

The boys are forced to enter a new era as seven seniors graduated from the team last year, passing the ball to the next generation. Sophomore Noah Coulton has been one of several players to step up into a valuable position on the court. Coulton has several objectives going into the new year. 

“We are definitely focusing on our offense and making sure that’s strong,” Coulton said. “As well as locking in defense and not giving up. Tough mentality will be a must.”

The girls’ basketball season is in full swing. The girls team also went 11-3 in league play last year and made it through two rounds into playoffs until they were eliminated. 

This season, the girls basketball team has gained a new coach, Chris Mitchell. In 2017-’18, he first coached the middle school team at Fresno Christian and since then he’s hoped for another opportunity to coach at FCS.  

“I am very excited for our first season, what I love most about basketball is the life lessons this game teaches,” Mitchell said. “Just like our walk with Christ, basketball requires the same discipline of the mind and body.”

Mitchell shares his expectations and goals for his first season coaching girls’ varsity. 

“I am looking forward to gelling with the team and leading them to not just be the best basketball players they can be, but being their best self on and off the court,” Mitchell said. 

Junior Marisol Martinez is the team captain as a third-year player. Martinez is most looking forward to growing in skills and community. 

“We have a lot of underclassmen this year, and it’s fun to grow with them through Christ,”  Martinez says. “Even though we have a smaller team, I think it’s better that way because I not only getting more playing time but we are a much closer team because of [being smaller].” 

To read more from The Feather’s athletic page check out Athlete Spotlight: Blake Bay or Cheer faces strenuous competition season.