by Macade Maxwell, Sports Editor

The Braves varsity basketball team wrapped up an impressive 2024-25 season with a 26-7 record, securing a co-Trinity League Championship, making a deep run in the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs and making an appearance in CIF State Open Division Playoffs. 

Despite falling short of a state championship, the Braves displayed nothing but resilience, determination and elite talent. Their ability to compete against some of the top teams across the country shows where they stand amongst other programs. 

Although they didn’t finish the way they wanted, the Braves found themselves ranked 10th in California and securing a number 38 spot nationally, according to MaxPreps. 

The Braves started the season off with expectations high coming off winning the CIF Division One championship the previous year. With key players like five-star juniors Brandon McCoy, Jr. and transfer Christian Collins as well as seniors Elzie Harrington and Chris Komin, the Braves were primed to have a successful season. 

The Braves wasted no time as they got off to a 14-0 start to their season. These were no average wins, as the Braves would dominate their opponents by 20+ points. In the midst of these games, the Braves would compete in the Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament in Illinois and leave as champions of the annual classic. 

They would continue this dominance heading into league play, as the Braves would secure wins over both Orange Lutheran and Servite. 

Despite star player Brandon McCoy being sidelined due to injury for a chunk of the season, the Braves still maintained their elite status. One player shined the brightest, as senior Chris Komin stepped up and became a key contributor to the squad. 

With their only two losses coming from the “Team in Red” and Santa Margarita, the Braves would share the Trinity League Title with the Eagles of Santa Margarita. 

Their stellar regular season performance would be enough to secure the Braves a spot in the CIF-SS Open Division Playoffs, a highly prestigious tournament considered the toughest playoff bracket in all high school basketball.

They started pool-play with a tough 77-75 loss to Redondo Union but immediately redeemed themselves with a big win against Sierra Canyon. This game ended in a tight 60-55 score in front of a sold-out crowd and NBA star LeBron James in attendance to support his son Bryce James. 

“It took playing with everything we got especially coming off a loss, and we played hard and together as a team,” said Christian Collins. 

If the Braves wanted to stay alive, they needed to keep winning. They would follow up with a 69-39 victory over Heritage Christian, in which McCoy produced a dominant performance dropping 23 points with 13 rebounds. They secured their spot in the pool championship in a rematch game against Roosevelt, a team that the Braves had faced earlier in the season and lost to by one in overtime.

If the Braves wanted to move on to the championship, they would have to make it past Roosevelt. They gave it their all, but it just wouldn’t be enough to surpass the Mustangs and their five-star senior Brayden Burries, losing by a final score of 58-51. 

“The difference in this one was not executing. We had some slip-ups and kind of swayed the game in their favor,” said Chris Komin. =

Although the Open Division didn’t go as planned, the Braves would secure the number five seed in the State Playoffs. The Braves were set to face off against Harvard Westlake, reigning Open Division CIF-SS and CIF State Champions who finished number three in the nation.

The Braves gave it their all but would ultimately put their season to an end, falling to Harvard Westlake with a final score of 70-55. 

“I’m still proud of our guys regardless of the result. They fought until the end, and our effort is the main factor we control,” said Coach Dunn.

The Braves’ performance this season was due to the consistency of their starting five. Brandon McCoy was the top performer averaging 16.5 points per game, Elzie Harrington averaged 16.4, Christian Collins with 13.6 and Chris Komin with 11.2. This versatility of these four top scorers was a threat to opponents in each game.

It was a great run for the Braves marked by notable achievements. They managed to secure a share of the Trinity League Championship, finished second in their Open Division pool and earned multiple individual accolades. Elzie was named Trinity League Co-MVP and recognized as First Team All-League alongside McCoy and Collins, while junior Max Ellis and Komin earned Second Team All-League honors. 

With five-start players like Brandon and Christian returning next season, the Braves are destined for another championship run. The experience they gained from this season’s battles against elite competition will help them as they look forward to taking the next step and securing a CIF Open Division State Championship.