by Macade Maxwell, Sports Editor

The Braves are currently rolling with an 18-2 record and hold a firm spot as one of the nation’s best basketball programs.

Their only two losses on the season come from an overtime defeat against MaxPreps’ top-ranked team, the Roosevelt Mustangs (CA) and a three-point loss to the rival “Team in Red.” 

The Braves’ current record is a testament to the relentless effort they’ve put in and the chemistry they’ve built all year long. They’ve shown characteristics like resilience in a key win against state-ranked St. Pius Matthias, a close-fought game that ended in an 85-77 victory. They’ve dominated games against Freemont High School (77-13) and Hesperia High School (78-33), as well as Trinity League opponents Orange Lutheran (72-48) and Servite (66-39). 

“We’ve had some dominant wins so far, but there are definitely tougher teams ahead in the schedule,” said Coach Matt Dunn. “We have to stay focused and approach the rest of the season day by day. We can’t get too ahead of ourselves.” 

Their success has been driven by a few key players. Five-star junior forward Christian Collins averages 16.4 points per game, while four-star USC commit Elzie Harrington averages 18 points and 4.8 assists per game. Senior Chris Komin, a crafty guard who has been balling out of control lately, averages 12.9 points per game. 

“I think we’re playing solid right now,” said Christian. “I can see the improvements each game and we can only continue to get better.” 

Meanwhile, five-star junior Brandon McCoy Jr., ranked second in his class according to ESPN 60, has been sidelined due to a leg injury. The team’s success in Brandon’s absence displays the Braves’ depth and ability to perform at a high level in the face of challenges.

“It sucks being hurt because all I can do is sit there and watch,” said Brandon. “ But I’m getting closer to returning, and I’m [going to] come back stronger and healthier than I was.”

The Braves currently find themselves amongst the top of high school basketball rankings, sitting at 15th in the nation and fourth in California, according to MaxPreps. This showcases the skill of programs on the West Coast, as three other California schools are in the top twenty-five rankings.

According to MaxPreps, Roosevelt and Harvard Westlake are ranked in the top three, while an emerging Notre Dame out of Sherman Oaks is on the rise. The competition is fierce, but the Braves have been consistent in proving they belong. 

“We can’t let the rankings get to us and we can’t look too much into the numbers, said Coach Dunn. “If we keep winning, everything will take care of itself and fall into place.”

As the Braves enter the homestretch of the season, they are primed to face off against tougher competition. They will face 17th-ranked Paul VI (VA) on Saturday. These two teams faced off last season when the Braves fell 71-53 in the Bass Pro Shops Tournament Of Champions. This being a match-up against two nationally-ranked teams makes it a game to tune into. 

With a roster filled with talent and potential, Bosco Basketball is determined to finish what they started and come out on top as league champions.