by Owen Stelzer, co-Sports Editor, and Simon Wei

From November 15th to November 17th, the St. John Bosco Varsity Esports team participated in the Cal Expo Tournament in Sacramento. 

Competing against some of the best college and high school teams in the region, Bosco played Valorant and League of Legends at the tournament. Unlike the half-dozen or so esports events that take place around Southern California, this tournament featured dozens of teams from all over the western United States. This was a moment to validate the countless hours of practice that led to their selection for the event. 

The Cal Expo venue was buzzing with energy as teams from universities like Boise State, UC San Diego and Arizona State competed alongside top high school programs in a landmark esports event. As one of the few high schools competing in a largely collegiate field, Bosco’s players had the rare opportunity to interact with college teams and learn from their experiences.

St. John Bosco’s team might have been one of the youngest and least experienced, but they didn’t let that hold them back.

“This was their first time doing something like this—traveling, sleeping in a hotel room, playing on a stage. It’s extremely stressful, but I told them to just have fun. This is a learning experience to prepare them for the next time,” said coach and operations managers, Asher Boulton.

Bosco’s Valorant team faced tough opposition, including powerhouse programs like Huntington Beach High School and Long Beach City College. Boulton expressed his amazement at how precise their opponents were.

“Literally everything they were doing was on point—the way they were dodging and [moving]. It was mesmerizing.”

One of the biggest highlights came off the stage. The head coach of Boise State University’s esports program, widely regarded as one of the top collegiate programs, noticed Bosco’s team.

“The Boise State coach came up to talk with us because he loves our program,” Boulton shared. “He told me he wants to recruit players from Bosco’s team in the future.”

Boise State’s esports program is known for full-ride scholarships, a professional coaching staff and robust player support systems. The potential partnership between Bosco and Boise State could open doors for Bosco’s players.

“It’s an insane program,” Boulton said. “This connection could mean a lot for our players’ futures.”

In the end, St. John Bosco knocked on the door of the trophy case, coming up just short of their goal of winning the championship. Instead, they walked away with a valuable lesson that will serve them well in the future: Know your opponent before stepping onto the mat. For Boulton, the tournament was about more than just wins and losses.

“This was their first big tournament, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they handled themselves,” he said. “They’ve got the talent and the drive, and I’m excited to see where they go from here.”

The future team ambitions for upcoming tournaments make the Cal Expo experience with Boise State even more potent. If Bosco’s esports team continues to tap into growth and resilience, its moment in high school esports will continue to cast a long shadow as a vibrant memory.

by Macade Maxwell and Owen Stelzer, co-Sports Editors

After a remarkable 2024 season that saw the St. John Bosco varsity basketball team claim the CIF State Division One Championship, the Braves enter the new season with high expectations. Ranked number five in the nation by MaxPreps and deemed “the team to beat in high school basketball” by Los Angeles Times reporter Eric Sondheimer, the Braves are poised to make another deep run in both state and national competition.

Head Coach Matt Dunn has every reason to be confident. The Braves return an elite core of players that rival any in the country. Among them is junior guard Brandon McCoy, the nation’s top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2026, according to On3. Senior guard Elzie Harrington and junior forward Christian Collins join him, forming what Sports Illustrated has titled “arguably the best trio in California.”

The Braves are now off to a promising 7-0 start to begin the season, living up to all the hype thus far. After a dominant 81-40 victory in their season opener against Francis Parker, the Braves headed to Illinois to compete in the Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions, which strives to fight against a form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. 

The Braves came to play this time around as they dominantly won every game—with final scores of 74-45 against Metamora, 85-38 against Paideia, 77-46 against DeKalb and 72-62 against St. Francis Episcopal to secure the tournament championship. Elzie, Christian and Brandon earned First Team All-Tournament honors with their stellar performances throughout the week. In addition, Elzie won tournament MVP, and Brandon won the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

McCoy, who already carries the weight of being the top player in his class, is a clear leader on the team.

“This is a good start to the season, but there’s still a lot of basketball left,” said Brandon. “We just got to keep working, that’s all.” 

Bosco’s remaining schedule includes marquee games in Arizona, Massachusetts and, of course, the highly competitive Trinity League, which pits them against top-ranked teams from across the nation.

For the players, these high-profile games are not just opportunities to prove themselves but to grow together as a unit.

“Playing against good teams only helps us out,” said Christian. 

While the star players draw much of the spotlight, Coach Dunn emphasizes the importance of the entire roster.

“This team’s depth is what makes us special,” he said. “From the starters to the bench, everyone has a role and everyone contributes.”

That said, carrying some of the top players in the country definitely puts a brighter spotlight on the Braves this season. 

“There is certainly more attention (mainly social media attention) on this year’s team than have been in years past,” Coach Dunn said. “That does not add any more pressure, but we certainly are excited about the opportunity of having a great team.”

The Braves beat local rival St. Pius-St. Matthias Academy, ranked #15 in the area according to the Los Angeles Times, by a score of 85-77. As the season continues, Bosco Basketball’s sights are set firmly on a Southern Section and State Open Division Championship, with aspirations of making waves on the national stage.

“Our goal is simple: compete at the highest level,” said Coach Dunn. “We have the talent, we have the experience, and we have the hunger. It’s about putting it all together and seeing where it takes us.”

The team will compete in their very own Braves Varsity Winter Classic this week in the Thunderdome, having won their opening round match up against Fremont by a 64-point margin on Monday. Their next game is tomorrow at 6pm against the winner of Don Bosco Tech and Hesperia.

by Simon Wei

St. John Bosco Football, ranked eighth in the nation, is heading into the playoffs with high expectations after a 9-1 regular season record and the memory of a tough Trinity League loss to the “Team in Red.”

Playoff Ready! Friday, Nov. 15 at Panish Family Stadium your Bosco Braves will take on the Santa Margarita Eagles in the CIS-SS D1 Playoffs. Be there! #DestinationBosco pic.twitter.com/9X37dlvMrR

— Bosco Football (@boscofootball) November 13, 2024

Bosco has shown resilience and growth throughout the season, with their main focus on building a stronger offense while maintaining the high standard of their defense. They are preparing the first playoff game on Friday with the desire for redemption and the chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage.

Bosco’s defense, led by a disciplined secondary and powerful line, has been a force.

“Some specific improvements I’ve seen in the secondary over the past few games would be just our confidence has been going up, and we’ve been doing really good together and everyone’s picking up on the little things,” said safety Jacob Holmes. “Going to the playoffs is just attention to detail because you know now the play is one and done and just making sure we get our scheme right for each team.”

Bosco will play a familiar Trinity League opponent in the Santa Margarita Eagles.

“The defensive line worked on strategies to disrupt Santa Margarita’s offense by containing the quarterback,” said linebacker Cole Clifton.

Bosco’s offense has also been well rounded with a balanced mix of passing and running that makes it difficult for defenses to predict, positioning them as strong championship contenders.

The prospect of facing the “Team in Red” again is a compelling challenge that looms over Bosco’s playoff journey. The regular season matchup resulted in a painful 59-14 loss for Bosco, a setback that has fueled the team’s motivation to reach the finals and face them once more.

“The biggest motivation factor going to playoffs, especially after a huge loss like that [against the “Team in Red”], is the chance that we get to have the possibility to compete against [the “Team in Red”] again, and with a possibility of winning a ring and another national title,” Cole said.

With the team’s motto being “control what you can control,” senior leaders encourage focus and resilience. The team’s journey through the season has been defined by both hard work and unity, with each player dedicated to the collective goal.

“Staying mentally prepared for potentially playing the “Team in Red” in the finals is definitely crucial in the season,” Jacob said. “[Some] say we should forget about what happened, but definitely going to the game again and the finals, we’re gonna be ready ’cause all the jitters should be out after the first game.”

Bosco’s first playoff game is set to bring some real energy with fans, students and alumni all buzzing to see if the team can make a deep run. For the players, every game is a chance to show the grit and toughness they’ve built over the season.

This isn’t just about chasing a championship, but to prove the growth, discipline and heart that define Bosco Football and Brave Nation. When they step on the field Friday night, these guys are ready to lay it all out there, putting their dedication and hard work on display one play at a time. Kickoff is at 7pm.

by Jet Walls

St. John Bosco High School’s water polo team was a force to be reckoned with from their electric start to their historic playoff birth.

The team started the season with high expectations and an intense hunger for success. Starting off incredibly hot with a series of victories, they moved their way up the rankings.

Freshman star Brayden Krakowski had a very successful season as a young leader for his squad, vying to win every game possible with a high-intensity and focused demeanor.

 “I [saw myself evolve] into more of a leader, as that [was] needed to help keep the team locked in for this postseason,” said Brayden.

The team had a big momentum swing when they faced the “Team In Red,” who were ranked number eight in the nation. Bosco refused to be underestimated by their rivals, competing well through all four quarters before going down 8-4.

As a result of their stellar regular season, Bosco Water Polo made a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoff appearance for the first time in eight years.

Senior captain Julian Almanza was extremely happy with his experience with his team this season. Julian had a great time going to work with his Bosco brothers every single day.

He wanted to be a good role model for the underclassmen and help them perform to their very best. Julian is proud of his team’s technical advancement this season.

“I think the freshman on our team have surprised me the most. They’ve been able to keep up with our intense practice schedule and their hard work did translate to the games “ said Julian

Julian and his team gave it there all this season by dialing in every single game and maintaining 100% focus. The team’s motto this year was “control what you can control,” and this motto helped them to always maintain focus when they were hit with any kind of adversity. Bosco was a gritty and fierce team that battled to the very end.

Bosco Water Polo finished out the year with a 16-10 record losing to Capistrano Valley by a score of 18-11 to end their season. While playing in the Trinity League this season Bosco competed with several high class teams and gave them a run for there money, as Bosco shocked the water polo community with their stellar and fierce playing. Bosco Water Polo aims to keep climbing the ranks and developing for an even more remarkable season next year. 

Bosco Water Polo starts in late September next year. Bosco students, staff and alumni are highly encouraged to come out to Bellflower Aquatic Center to support the young men next season in the pool. 

by Owen Stelzer, co-Sports Editor

The St. John Bosco High School sailing team has been improving and gaining recognition this season, earning top finishes in their last two races.

Currently operating out of the Long Beach Yacht Club, the team recently claimed victory in their latest regatta, with Kaya Marley and Elizabeth Nash finishing first, and team captain Jack Snow and Tanner Swagger coming in a close second.

Preparing for these events requires discipline, determination and a positive outlook.

“I prepare for an event by making sure our boat is ready and that I am mentally and physically ready,” said Snow. “If you go in having a bad mentality, then you will have bad results.”

Jack, who has witnessed the team grow from a humble beginning into a fully-sponsored program, expressed pride in the progress made over the years.

“We first started off as a very low-budget team, and now, we have a bunch of sponsors,” he said. “The team has grown; our results keep improving; and our coaching staff has been improved significantly.”

However, recent news has put the team on a new course, as they were informed that they can no longer continue as a co-ed team. Moving forward, St. John Bosco and St. Joseph High Schools will have to form separate teams.

Freshman sailor Elizabeth Nash, one of the latest additions from St. Joseph, is optimistic about the future, even with the impending split.

“We have a lot of new girls from [St. Joseph’s] with sailing experience, which will help expand the team even after I graduate,” Nash explained. “It’s a great feeling to be part of something that’s constantly growing.”

For Snow, this season is about setting a standard of resilience and passion that will inspire future sailors.

“I want to push the team to strive [to be] better and to keep going even when it gets hard,” he said

As the season progresses and the team faces new challenges, St. John Bosco Sailing remains focused on its journey forward.

by Macade Maxwell, co-Sports Editor

The Los Angeles Dodgers, a regular powerhouse in the regular season, left their mark on the 2024 MLB Postseason, finishing as World Series Champions.

From the beginning of the offseason, it was evident that the Dodgers were going to be something special this year, signing two-way superstar free-agent, Shohei Ohtani, and Japanese pitching prodigy, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. 

The Dodgers finished the regular season with an outstanding 98-64 record and clinched their twelfth consecutive postseason playoff appearance. Backed by a whopping $241 million payroll, it was certain that the Dodgers were going to make some noise in the Fall. 

Although the Dodgers were highly favored, they were short-staffed. Key pitchers like Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Tyler Glasnow and Bobby Miller were absent, meaning that their dangerous lineup was going to have to produce runs from batters one through nine. 

Their postseason run began with a 2022 National League Division Series (NLDS) rematch against the San Diego Padres. The Padres won the matchup that year, but the Dodgers were going to make sure the outcome was different this year. 

The Padres weren’t going down without a fight. After the Dodgers took game one, the Padres bounced back and won two straight, giving them a 2-1 series lead. One loss from elimination, the Dodgers refused to let the moment get too big for them, winning the next two games to advance to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the New York Mets.

The NLCS was yet another rematch for the Dodgers. The last time these two teams faced each other in the playoffs was in the 2015 NLDS, which the Mets won in five games. The Mets, who had recently upset the Phillies, were on a hot streak, despite being postseason underdogs. 

The Mets certainly gave the Dodgers a run for their money, but the Dodgers offense was too strong. They managed to tally 52 runs throughout the entire series. Despite lacking depth, the Dodgers bullpen came through and held the Mets, who have the highest payroll in the majors, down. In a series-clinching game six, the Dodgers put up ten runs, sending the Mets back home and advancing to the World Series.  

The World Series couldn’t have been a better match-up, a clash of titans between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. Game one did not disappoint. In the bottom of the tenth, down 3-2, Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam to give the Dodgers a 1-0 series lead, setting the tone for the series. 

The Dodgers would take the next two games thanks to stellar performances by Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernandez, Tommy Edman, Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers’ pitching staff, as they took a commanding 3-0 series lead and found themselves on the brink of what could have been a rare sweep. The last time this happened was when the San Francisco Giants swept the Detroit Tigers back in the 2012 World Series. But the Yankees weren’t going to let that happen at Yankee Stadium. Their bats came alive with an 11-4 victory in game four. 

Finding themselves down five runs early in game 5, it was thought by many that the Dodgers just wanted to come back to Los Angeles to win it all in their own stadium. But the offense came alive in the fifth inning with the help of some lackluster New York defense, putting up five runs against Yankees ace, Gerrit Cole. The Dodgers would then put up two more insurance runs, as Dodgers’ reliever Blake Treinen put the Yankees’ bats to sleep.

In the ninth inning, Manager Dave Roberts decided to turn to Walker Buehler, who had an extremely rough year after coming back from Tommy John Surgery. After retiring two, former Dodger Alex Verdugo stepped up to the plate, representing the final out. Buehler was determined to close the game out. After not even knowing whether or not he was going to make the postseason lineup, there he was getting the final three outs of the World Series. 

As the final out was recorded, the city of Los Angeles erupted in cheers and fireworks, as the Dodgers came out on top as the 2024 World Series Champions. 

The Dodgers lived up to all the hype this season, and with this being their second World Series win in the past four years, there is still much more in store for this dominant Dodgers dynasty.

by Simon Wei

The Frontier Select LA/St. John Bosco hockey team is kicking off their debut season under the guidance of a familiar face, Head Coach Tomas Kapusta. They have demonstrated potential in a short time with their hard work and team chemistry, as they aim not only to compete in the league but also to create a lasting legacy.

“As a first-year [with the Frontier Selects LA/Bosco] team, we want to be the best we can be, showing everyone the right pathway to becoming a prep school team,” said Coach Kapusta. “We are still working on strengthening the team.”

The team started off their season strong with two wins in the IMD High School League, one of which was a tough overtime victory that really set the tone for the games ahead. They’re feeling confident after these successes but are also aware that there’s more work to do.

In a recent tournament at the Sin City Showdown, Frontier Selects LA/Bosco managed to secure two wins, but also suffered two close losses that emphasized the importance of staying focused in crucial moments. 

“So far, we’ve played good games, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement,” said Coach Kapusta. “Every game is a learning experience, and the boys are starting to understand what it takes to win consistently at this level.”

Coach Kapusta has been instrumental in guiding the players through this developmental phase.

“The players are beginning to understand their roles on the team,” said Coach Kapusta. “The team is not just composed of players who score goals, but also players who fulfill specific roles. That’s the only way to be a successful hockey team.”

A major obstacle the team is dealing with involves creating a bond among players who have different backgrounds and skill levels. Coach Kapusta has highlighted the significance of teamwork and effective communication to ensure that every player understands their role and how they contribute to the team’s success.

“We have players at different levels of development, and the only way we’ll be successful is by working together and respecting each other’s contributions,” said Coach Kapusta. “[It’s] important that we create the right atmosphere on and off the ice, and [that’s] something we’re working on every day.”

The team’s primary goal for the future is to secure a spot in the 2025 USA National High School Championship tournament scheduled for March in Irvine. Frontier Selects LA/Bosco is currently familiarizing themselves with the competition and assessing their position, but both players and coaches are hopeful about their goals to compete at the highest level in the playoffs.

“The goal is to make it to the National Championship, and we’re going to do everything we can to get there,” said Coach Kapusta.

Senior left-wing Lucas Cilan echoed his head coach’s determination.

“We want to show everyone that we belong here and that we have what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Lucas said.

Apart from their performance on the hockey rink, the team is also dedicated to thriving academically. They strive to find a balance between their studies and sports responsibilities, which is a crucial aspect of the program. 

“We’re building something special here,” said Coach Kapusta. “We’re focusing on the community, the school and ensuring all students succeed academically so they can focus on hockey.”

Throughout the progression of the season, Frontier Selects LA/Bosco is anticipated to develop and advance as a team. Their goal of aiming for a National Championship in their inaugural season and their dedication to establishing a program that can leave a lasting legacy at Bosco indicate that this new team is ready to represent Brave Nation with pride.

by Macade Maxwell and Owen Stelzer, co-Sports Editors

The St. John Bosco’s historically strong cross country team embarks on another season with high hopes for maintaining the program’s culture of excellence. 

As the Cross Country season gets underway, veteran Head Coach Tim McIntosh and his team have made significant strides this year through hard work, dedication and a strong core of young runners. 

“Like always, our goal is to win league. Last year we finished third in Trinity League so we hope to perform better this season,” said Coach McIntosh. 

The team has already competed in four competitive events: the Seahawks CC Relay in Redondo, the Cumming/Latham Invitational in San Diego where they finished in fourth and fifth, the Woodbridge Invitational in Irvine where they finished in first place and their most recent the Trinity League Preview race where they placed first again. 

The team has already proved themselves to be contenders for CIF later in the season, and after a successful showing at the Trinity League Preview, Coach Mac’s squad showed that they are true competitors for a league title. 

Alongside Coach McIntosh is assistant Coach Ruben Solorza, a Bosco alumnus and Cross Country CIF Champion back in 2012. 

“They are starting to develop a ‘game day’ mentality where I trust them to go out and get the job done,” said Coach Solorza. “They are realizing how far their hard work has gotten them, and I’m excited to see what they do as the postseason comes closer.” 

At the heart of the team is senior captain Alex Leon. His leadership and experience provides guidance for the younger runners on the squad. 

“I’m a varsity returner and being the only senior on the team, I have a big role and have to be a leader,” said Alex. “I want to finish my last year off strong and leave an impact for this program.” 

The Braves still have ways to go as there are six potential remaining events, with the next Clovis Invitational coming up on October 11th in Fresno.

“We want people to know that we have a strong core of runners and have what it takes to compete with the best,” said sophomore Edward Medina. 

Expect this young team to make some noise later in the season, as they strive to achieve their goal of winning it all this year in Trinity League and CIF.

by Jet Walls

Head Coach Adam Lee, senior team captain Julian Almanza and freshman star Brayden Krakowski feel great after leading the Braves’ water polo team to a 5-0 record to start their season.

Coach Lee has big expectations for and a lot of confidence in his squad. The team has their eyes set on the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs at the end of the season. 

“Our main team goals are to create a culture of hard work, discipline and trust,” said Coach Lee.

Playing in the Trinity League, which is one of the most challenging leagues in the country, Bosco has a competitive road ahead. 

“A big part of our process is control what you can control, and you always have to keep moving forward. It doesn’t matter how you start the game; it matters how you keep moving forward,” said Coach Lee. 

Bosco’s new team captain Julian Almanza is eager to lead his team to a successful season this year in the pool.

“It feels good to know that all the work that I have put in continues to show. Going into my senior year, I am a bit nervous,” Julian said. “I am taking over a new role as team captain. Being a team captain is very new to me, so I am just trying to get the hang of things.”

Julian has set very high expectations for the team and himself. His goal of playing in college is helping to drive him to be better, and he is really looking forward to games in the Trinity League.

“I am aiming to make first team all Trinity League and MVP for the team. I plan to lead by example and always help my teammates whenever things get tough and take responsibility over the team,” said Julian.

The Braves have lit up the scoreboard in their first five games, having mostly high-scoring matchups with their opponents.

“Something right now that is really translating best is our counterattack to offense. We’ve been working extremely hard on improving it and getting it down, and I think it’s definitely showing,” said Julian.

Freshman Brayden Krakowski is excited to keep the team’s success rolling. He is excited to learn from the upperclassmen and contribute to his team.

“[It is] a really cool experience to play with upperclassmen and learn things from them, such as staying consistent and working hard,” said Brayden.

Brayden is confident in his team and their ability to make CIF together. He believes that their strength and speed in the water has improved and helped them overcome opponents. 

Brayden is committed to Bosco and wants to work hard for his Bosco brothers. He and his teammates keep up an intense training schedule with two practices a day, where they emphasize working on speed and linear movements in the water as well as team strategy and game planning.

You can support Bosco Water Polo by attending games at the Bellflower Aquatic Center – directly across the street from Panish Family Stadium – and contributing to their online fundraiser. The Braves next game is at home tomorrow against Cerritos High School at Bellflower Aquatics Center. The game starts at 3:15 pm.