The Coronado High School boys basketball team tipped off its 2024-2025 season in late November, defeating Mar Vista 74-55.
The Islanders were 6-2 as of Dec. 9, after beating Patrick Henry High School 62-39.
Coronado is trying to rebound after a down season last year. The Islanders finished 6-23, missed the playoffs and dropped into Division 3.
Coach Anthony Ott said expectations are high.
“You know, unfortunately, didn’t have a great year last year,” Ott said. “But you know that means that it’s an opportunity for the taking… We have some really tough league opponents. Even our non-league games are pretty difficult, so we’ll be tested early and often.”
Ott speculated that the addition of two transfers would bolster the rotation and provide added depth.
Derick Ritter, a junior wing from Saint Augustine High School, and Kannon Seals, a sophomore guard from Mater Dei High School, add to a roster that already has three senior returners.
Ott described Seals as “a phenomenal shooter,” adding, “Extremely high IQ, natural leader. So he’s certainly the typical guard whose voice is the extension of the coach’s voice on the court.”
The Islander’s impact players are not limited to these two. Ott mentioned senior returner Loxly Johnson’s scoring ability as important to the team’s success.
“He might be averaging 25 points a game in our first five games,” Ott said. “He’s, you know, a natural scorer, great defender.”
Johnson said unselfish play encouraged by Ott has helped the team bond.
“He pushes you past your limit and makes you believe in yourself. Everything is not about basketball with him. He makes sure our mental health is doing fine and his main goal is to make us a better man for our future,” Johnson said.
Ott said he circles every game on the schedule as a must win, and his players have seemed to follow suit.
“I normally prepare for a basketball game by just getting my mental state ready to play another team. I believe that this game is 90% mental and 10% physical,” Ritter said.
The Islanders beat Patrick Henry at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 before beginning to prepare for a Monday game against Mount Miguel High School.
