As the weather changes and leaves begin to fall to the ground, so do defenders. It is officially basketball season! With immense anticipation, our boys’ basketball program has returned, hoping to fulfill goals and ambitions. With new additions implemented and a new head coach, Carlos Castillo, checking off goals, all remained the same leading up to the 2023-2024 season. I was fortunate enough to interview Coach Castillo as well as two of his varsity players, Chane Stewart ( guard C/O 2024) and Jonathan Martinez ( point guard C/) 2025).
The first question for Coach Castillo was, “Coming in as a new coach, what is your new philosophy?”
Coach Castillo responded, “Building identity. We want to be a defensively sound team that keeps an uptempo energy. Engaging with the crowd and feeding off of fast and positive energy.”
The question was, “What has been the most challenging part of being a new coach ?”
Castillo shared,” Being able to change the culture, new everything. Truly showing these boys the ways on and off the court and that it’s bigger than just basketball.”
The final question was, “What are your expectations or goals for this team this upcoming season?”
His reflective response was, “Our staff truly believes we can finish in the upper tier, 3rd place or better. Most importantly, I want these boys to have a good experience and enjoy every moment possible.”
Significant changes have been made to our boys’ program here at Santiago High, but for the better. Meanwhile, new faces have been shown through transfers; the new coaching staff has proven that their desires are here to stay and ready to be accomplished. Through a lovely event called Midnight Madness, our boy’s program was able to showcase a bit of what they have waiting for fans this upcoming season. Our boys’ basketball program knew how to entertain a crowd with scrimmages, 3-point skills contests, and various fun events.
Next was a speed round of questions for Senior guard Chane Stewart and Junior Point guard Jonathan Martinez.
The first question for Stewart was, “What is your mindset going into your senior season?”
He responded, “To be as dominant as possible throughout this upcoming season.”
I asked, “Do you have any pregame rituals or anything you do before every game?”
Stewart replied, “Being able to put up and make the last bucket in the warm-up before game time.”
The following questions Jonathon Martinez was able to answer were, “Favorite pregame song or artist?”
Martinez rejoined, “I don’t have a specific song, but anything, Gunna.”
Subsequently, “What is the best part about this team and new coaching staff?”
Martinez immediately responded, “We are a family and love each other. The biggest thing is the culture created and encouraged; it’s a special feeling.”
It is easy for the audience to nitpick and label a team from the outside, but no one truly knows what it is like from within. These boys have a goal and are willing to do everything they can to accomplish those desires. Yes, we are just in November, but when it is time to walk in between those white lines, suited up with a loud crowd and adrenaline rushing, that fight and determination are ready to be proven. We wish our Santiago Boys basketball team the best of luck.
