Cal High Boys Basketball remains one of the most beloved programs on campus, fueled by high-octane gameplay and an unmistakable sense of brotherhood. Whether it is the passion of the individual players or the “family first” culture, the program’s impact is undeniable. This year proved particularly competitive across the board, with the Freshman team finishing 19-9, Junior Varsity going 17-10, and Varsity posting an 18-12 record.
For many, the journey begins at the Freshman level, where the focus shifts from raw talent to refined fundamentals. Coach Jones, a staple of Cal athletics who also coaches golf and flag football, stepped in this year to lead the Freshman squad with a philosophy centered on cohesion.
“We focus on fundamentals every day, but we do it in a way that requires communication and teamwork,” Jones noted. “Skill development is important, but basketball is never a one-person sport. We create drills and situations that force players to trust and encourage each other. When players grow individually and build relationships simultaneously, the team becomes stronger.”
That culture of trust resonates at the Varsity level. Junior Aham Nwosu (#12), who has played since age six, credits the team’s unique bond for their success. “No matter where we go, we treat each other like family,” Nwosu shared. “We always have each other’s backs and put each other first, both on and off the court.”
The roster this year featured a mix of new faces and veteran anchors. Transferring from rival school La Serna, Augie Gomez (#0) made an immediate impact, contributing 243 points this season. For Gomez, the transition was seamless. “Cal has benefited me greatly, from the coaching staff giving me another way to view the game to the team accepting me and making me feel like I belong since day one,” he said.
Meanwhile, JV standout Shane Pocock (#0) has been a part of the program since his freshman year, embracing the collective effort required to win. “You’re never doing anything alone,” Pocock emphasized. His mentality heading into games was simple: “I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure we [win].”
While the entire team feels like a family, for some, the connection is literal. Freshman Jeffery Linares (#21) joined the Varsity squad this year, playing alongside his two brothers, Jair and Jacob. “It adds to the experience because whatever I’m going through in basketball, they already went through,” Jeffery said, noting that his teammates’ support helped him navigate the pressure of Varsity play.
However, the season was not without its trials. “There were a lot of ups and downs, a lot of adversity,” Nwosu
admitted. The Condors dealt with significant injuries that tested their depth. Jacob Linares (#24) returned to the court following a fractured wrist, while Joshua Falatea (#99) was sidelined by a torn ACL. Despite the injury, Falatea remained a fixture on the sidelines, cheering his teammates on throughout the season. While Jacob graduates this year, Falatea is already looking toward a strong return next season.
After two seasons of fighting for CIF titles, the Condors’ run ended this year in the second round of the playoffs. It was a somber conclusion for a group with high expectations. “Everyone knows how our season ended; it was heartbreaking,” Gomez said. “I feel like this team didn’t reach its full potential, but this season could be looked at as an eye-opener for this great program.”
Despite the exit, the spirit of the program remains intact. “We never gave up, and we kept fighting hard,” Nwosu added. For Coach Jones, the ultimate goal transcends the scoreboard.
“Understand that every day is an opportunity to get better as a person, basketball player, and student-athlete,” Jones concluded. “I want them to understand that preparation and belief in themselves can open doors—not just in sports, but in life.”
