Hailey Higton

The varsity boy’s basketball team look forward to redemption after an early exit in playoffs last year.

As fall sports begin to wrap up and winter sports are right around the corner, the Fresno Christian Boys Basketball team looks to take on another big season led by longtime Head Coach Jon Penberthy. They hope to bounce back from a second-round playoff exit to Mission Oak last season by putting in early mornings and late-night practices and aiming for a section championship. 

With this unexpected year coming up, FC will endure their biggest challenge yet facing multiple Division 1 opponents early on in the season. Their focus as a team is to keep Christ at the center and focus on playing and representing God on and off the court. 

Assistant Coach Dante Washington returns to help coach the Eagles for a third year with high expectations of what the team is capable of. 

“We will be tested early and often. Playing together will be the key to continued success,” Washington said. “Leaders always lead from the front whether it is vocally and or through actions. Several young men can seize the opportunity to lead at any given moment.”

Devin Gaines, ‘26, is a three-year varsity player who is more determined than ever to go all the way this year and do whatever it takes to grow his skills.

“I strive to be better than the guy next to me every day and I always try to be 1% better every day,” Gaines said. “The main drive for me is that I want to win for God and the seniors because it’s their last year and I want them to leave with a ring on their finger.”

At the beginning of the ‘23-’24 season, the Eagles were riding high coming into the year with a stacked roster prepared to make a title run. Those goals were shaken up by losing multiple key players to injuries. The Eagles still moved forward facing any adversity that came their way, and ultimately having a 20+-win season. This put them front and center coming into playoffs. Their season was cut short when they lost in the second round to Mission Oak.

Senior Beckham Klein has battled through his first three seasons with multiple injuries, including a broken kneecap his sophmore year and a torn meniscus his junior year.  He has persevered and remained positive and looks to make his last year the best one yet. 

“One big motivator for me is winning,” Klein said. “I am leaning on my teammates and coaches for support through the season. I am also driven by my teammates and the goal of achieving something great together.”

With the season quickly approaching players and coaches prepare for an unpredictable season full of opportunities. They will face more tough teams such as San Joaquin Memorial, Clovis High and many more high level opponents hoping to fight their way through as a team to make it to their goal of a Valley Championship.

Go support the FC Varsity Boys Basketball Team as their season kicks off with hosting their own tournament at Fresno Christian High School on Nov. 26-30.

For more from The Feather read Beloved soccer coach Sergio Venegas faces health challenges and FC girls’ basketball wading into the new season