Tag Archives: Football

Life Of A Brave: Varsity Basketball’s Unsung Hero, The Chris Komin Story

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by Noah Arteaga

Christopher Komin’s progression throughout his four years as a member of Bosco Basketball’s junior varsity (JV) and varsity programs has elevated his performance as an athlete and teammate on Bosco’s roster. Now on college scouts’ radars, he looks to solidify his legacy with his teammates in Bosco history with back-to-back CIF State titles.

Photo courtesy of Hoophall West

The last two years, specifically, Chris has demonstrated remarkable growth and development on the court. Standing at 6’2″, he has evolved from a supportive team player into a pivotal contributor, showcasing his offensive prowess in some clutch performances. 

“Komin might be one of the biggest sleepers in America. The bouncy guard can shoot from range and is very good at picking his spots when he is aggressive on a team full of superstars,” said Sports Illustrated’s Heston Quan after the Braves competed in the 2024 Classic at Damien.

Chris grew up in Cypress, California, developing an obsession with basketball at a young age. His passion for the game began with Chris watching his older brother play and wanting to imitate him. 

Basketball led Chris towards St. John Bosco, where he instantly felt he had found a home for the next four years of his high school career.

“Upon meeting Coach Dunn and getting a tour of the school, I instantly felt a sense of family in the school. I knew I had found a home,” Chris said.

Chris’ basketball journey began starting on JV his freshman year, which continued into his sophomore season.

“It allowed me to really develop myself as a player and watch from a different perspective as the program built itself.”

Despite mostly playing JV as a sophomore, Chris played some varsity minutes. In six games and limited minutes, however, he averaged 2.5 points and 0.7 assists, according to MaxPreps. Splitting time with the JV and varsity squads allowed Chris to refine his skills and gain valuable on-court experience. 

Entering his junior year, Chris worked for the opportunity to insert himself into the rotation and impact games. With a fire lit under him, Chris upped his averages to 5.7 points, 1.2 assists and 1.4 steals. The Braves went on to win the CIF Division One State Championship that same season.

The 2024-2025 season, Chris’ senior year, has marked a significant turning point in his career. He increased his scoring output to 11.1 points while averaging 2.1 steals and 0.8 blocks, showing versatility on both ends of the court.. 

Photo by @chriskomin_ on Instagram

A standout moment for Chris this season came during the Section 7 Tournament in June 2024, where he delivered a stellar 27-point performance against Rainier Beach High School, sinking five of six three-point attempts, including a remarkable three-quarter court shot at halftime. 

Later that year, in December’s Classic at Damien in La Verne, California, Chris delivered more impressive performances that reinforced his pivotal role on the team.

The Classic at Damien is renowned for featuring top-tier high school basketball talent, with its Platinum Division highlighting the most elite teams. Bosco Basketball advanced through the tournament, showcasing resilience and skill.

In the semifinal matchup against La Mirada High School, Komin contributed 14 points, including two three-pointers and a notable dunk that energized his team. His performance was instrumental in securing a 66-45 victory, propelling St. John Bosco into the championship game.

The final pitted them against top-ranked Eastvale Roosevelt High School. Despite the absence of standout junior point guard Brandon McCoy, Jr., Komin stepped up, scoring 17 points, with several shots made from NBA-range. 

The game was a defensive battle, with Roosevelt leading 17-15 at halftime. Despite Chris’ offensive contributions, the Braves fell short in overtime, losing 56-55. 

Overall, Chris’ contributions during the 2024 Classic at Damien solidified his reputation as an elite guard, showcasing his offensive skills, defensive prowess and poise under pressure. 

After decommitting from Point Loma, a Division II college, weeks before the Damien tournament, Chris’ recruitment has gained momentum, with several Division I programs expressing interest.

In January, at the 2025 Spalding Hoophall Classic, held at Springfield College’s Blake Arena in Massachusetts, St. John Bosco High School faced off against nationally ranked Paul VI Catholic High School on January 18, 2025. In another closely contested game, St. John Bosco was narrowly defeated with a final score of 60-57. 

Later that month, on January 30, 2025, Sports Illustrated listed Komin at number three amongst the top 25 unsigned high school basketball seniors in Southern California. That number has since jumped to second, with Alijah Arenas committing to USC. 

The publication praised his shooting accuracy, noting a 50% field goal percentage and 42% success rate from beyond the arc. 

Komin’s consistency has been evident throughout the season. Notable performances include scoring 15 points on 67% from the field in a victory over Mater Dei on February 1, 2025 at Intuit Dome.

With countless cameras and social media pointed towards St. John Bosco, the standard has never been higher for the Braves. The margin for error is slim, and the mentality of the team is to go back-to-back and make history. 

“I try not to focus on the cameras that much even though at the stages that we play at there are so many,” said Chris. “I try to stay focused and use all of this media to my advantage, because even though they may not be there to see me, if I play as well as I can then I know they [will take notice].”

Sharing the court with nationally ranked Elzie Harrington, Brandon McCoy and Christian Collins, Chris has elevated his play and immersed himself as a leader.

“My mentality entering my senior year was ultimately to try and perform on the court to the best of my abilities [and have the opportunity] to play basketball in college for free,” said Chris. “My goals have not changed entering the playoffs, but I want to continue being a leader and supportive teammate.’’

With St. John Bosco on a deep playoff run, the expectation to win it all now is embedded in every player and coach. After knocking off a competitive Sierra Canyon, the Braves dominated a defenseless Heritage Christian in a win of 69-39.

The unwavering amount of chemistry flowing through the Braves is a staple of their success, and they are looking to get one step closer to becoming back-to-back state champions. With a familiar opponent, MaxPreps’ fifth-ranked Roosevelt Mustangs, the St. John Bosco Braves face a difficult task on the way to a CIF Open Division title.

Chris’ journey reflects a player dedicated to continuous improvement, with a strong work ethic and a knack for delivering in crucial moments. Through his faith in himself and the St. John Bosco basketball program, he has solidified himself as a leader and tireless competitor. Approaching graduation, Chris Komin’s upward trajectory entails a promising future in collegiate basketball.

Sports: Facing Tough Trinity League Play, Bosco Soccer Strives For A Playoff Run

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by Jesus Biag, co-Editor-in-Chief

The Trinity League is one of the toughest leagues in the country, known for its excellence in sports such as basketball and football. But it is just as competitive in soccer. 

Photo courtesy of Gabe Lopez

Consequently, this provides a massive motivational spark for a hungry Bosco soccer team, who began Trinity League play last week. Before league matches, the team competed in preseason games to get in shape and gain synergy.

Mr. Salvador Perez, math instructor and assistant coach, believed that the preseason was a great time for the squad to gain chemistry, something vital if they hope to see success in league play.

“[The point of preseason] is to get the team gelling together. We had a few transfers, so we had to get them adjusted and used to new positions,” said Mr. Perez.

The process of getting transfers adjusted to the team was a difficult one, according to Mr. Perez. A lot of the new players came from club teams in which they played different positions, so a few of them needed to adjust to adapt to new spots on the field to help the team win.

Coming into the 2024-2025 season, the coaching staff had high expectations for the team, who finished last year’s campaign with a 9-12-3 record, just falling short of a playoff berth. The preseason set them on a solid track as they went 3-5-6 ahead of their Trinity League opener.

But it wasn’t just the coaching staff that expected a lot out of the team coming into the season.

“They’ve been hungry for [success] for a while,” said Mr. Perez. “It’s there for the taking, they just need to go ahead and take it.”

Senior captain Gabe Lopez has trained hard all offseason to help his teammates chase after their biggest goal, to make it to the playoffs.

“Within my four years here, I haven’t made [the] playoffs,” said Gabe. “So making it [to the playoffs] my senior year would be the highlight of my high school soccer journey.”

But before they can make it to the playoffs, they need to match up with some of the best teams in California. First came Orange Lutheran, who were 6-2-1 before facing the Braves. The game was close and competitive, but Bosco ultimately fell 2-1.

After that, Bosco Soccer was slated to face off against Santa Margarita, but the game was postponed because of the California wildfires. This stung Gabe, in particular, as he looked forward to playing Santa Margarita. In every game he’s played against the Eagles, the matchup has always been close.

On Friday, January 10th, the Braves traveled to Anaheim to face off against Servite. Giving up a couple of penalties hurt Bosco, and as a result, they suffered a 3-0 loss.

The next game for the soccer team was big, as they were set to face “The Team in Red” in Orange County. 

“While every game is important in Trinity League, there’s definitely [added fuel] when we play [“The Team in Red”],” said Mr. Perez. “They’re tough, vocal, and very physical. [It’s important to] be disciplined because one error can open up the floodgates.”

The Braves were severe underdogs going into this matchup, as “The Team in Red” is currently the third-ranked team in the country according to MaxPreps.

Every player has their way of approaching these big matchups, but senior Alex Calvillo chooses to let his faith guide his performance.

“I like to see [these types of matchups] as challenges that I can get through,” Alex said. “[I know that with] God, I can play smarter and stronger.”

Although the Braves suffered a tough 3-0 defeat, their grit and fight throughout the game are a silver lining for them to take into their next match today against JSerra. The Lions are currently undefeated and the top-ranked team in the country, according to MaxPreps. 

Despite early league struggles, the Braves’ playoff hopes are still alive. With an underdog mentality and drive for success, Bosco Soccer may make some noise throughout the remainder of the Trinity League season.

Brave of the Issue: Jaiden Woodbey (2017)

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by Ethan Piechota

Every day, Jaiden Woodbey drives to school here at St. John Bosco high school from his home in Fontana, California.

The one-hour drive every morning is tough for the star football player and track-and-field standout, but represents the commitment and dedication Woodbey has as a Bosco Brave and member of the community. 

“It’s tough, but then again I have a goal, so it’s not really that hard,” said Woodbey about the drive. “I have a reason why I’m doing it, so it makes it that much easier.”

It’s not easy to be a 5-star recruit and one of the top defensive backs in his class, while in the process exemplifying what it means to be a Bosco Brave. Woodbey graces the campus every day as a role model for everyone. On and off the field, he’s a true 5-star recruit.

Over his high school career at St. John Bosco, Woodbey has achieved many things on and off the field. He is widely considered to be the best defensive back in the 2018 class, with a full-ride scholarship to Ohio State University next year already in the works. Woodbey is an All-American Army Bowl commit for this year, and has been a clear-cut leader on Bosco’s defense for the last two seasons. 

“My parents have always been instilling it in me since I was little that [I’m going to be] one of the best athletes in my class. You will everything into existence, so it’s just persistence and hard work that makes everything go through,” said Woodbey about his success on the field as a football player.

Off the field, Woodbey is a perfect representation of a Bosco man and member of the community. He works hard in class and is respectful and open to all of his peers on campus. That’s not something you’d normally expect from such a highly-touted recruit, but Woodbey goes the extra mile. 

“It’s not hard, because after everything, I always remember where I came from. That always humbles me. I’m never too big to talk to somebody, because at the end of the day we’re all here for the same purpose.”

Woodbey is well-liked and respected on the football team as well. As a leader on the team and somebody who has experienced a state championship, he is someone who many of the younger and newer players look up to.

“Jaiden is a really good teammate, and an even better person off the field. He brings a lot of positivity to the secondary especially, and that helps keep us grounded and stay humble too,” said junior cornerback and top-recruit Chris Steele about Woodbey and his leadership.

This just goes to show how much Woodbey is truly valued and appreciated by his teammates on the football team. 

Going into his senior season at Bosco, Woodbey wants to end his career academically and athletically on a high note. After such a successful career, Jaiden still strives for more.

“Sports-wise coming into my senior year, this is my last ride so I got to make the best of it. Now what I’m focusing on academically is graduation,” said Woodbey on some of his senior year goals.

Woodbey has high expectations for his football team this season, and expects nothing less than another run at state and national championships. 

“Our main goal is still to win a national championship and I feel like we can do that. I’m trying to do 10 times better than I did last year. I’m trying to have at least 5-6 interceptions this year, take 5-6 kickoff returns to the crib.”

Those numbers would definitely help the Braves chance of achieving their ultimate goal this year. 

Jaiden is headed to Ohio State next year to further his academic and athletic career. He believes that he really feels at home on campus, which made his decision to pick between 30 colleges easier.

“I took my visit up there, and it was everything I ever wanted. This school was a little bit different than the other ones. My parents gave me the thumbs up, and I’m a Buckeye,” said Woodbey with a smile.

Woodbey will graduate early from St. John Bosco, as he will enroll at Ohio State soon after he completes this semester. He expects to make an immediate and impactful contribution to the football team as soon as he arrives, and who would doubt him?

Woodbey has his future goals in mind, and there is no stopping him on his way to achieving these goals. 

When asked where he sees himself in 5 years, Woodbey responded by saying, “Being in the NFL, owning multiple businesses, and living a comfortable lifestyle.” 

Who would blame him? With Woodbey’s work ethic and dedication, nothing is out of the question. 

The college experience is great and completely different from high school, especially for a star football player at a nationally-ranked powerhouse such as Ohio State. For Jaiden, it’s exciting, yet tough to leave.

“It’s a bittersweet thing. I’m glad high school’s over, but then again… these are my guys and I [will] miss playing with them every Friday,” said Woodbey on leaving Bosco for a new chapter at Ohio State.

Bosco will miss Jaiden sincerely, on and off the field. Through his career here as a Brave, he has brought success and leadership in various ways. It only seems right that Jaiden Woodbey ends his career an legacy as a Brave with another state and national championship run, which is very likely to happen behind Woodbey and his defense this season.

 In the end, Woodbey has accomplished one of the most important things any Bosco student can do. He has shown what it means to be a Bosco Brave and has represented our school amazingly throughout his career. For these reasons, Jaiden Woodbey is our Brave of the Issue.