Barbara Goleman High’s boy’s basketball team is off to its best start in school history with an 8-1 record, but the Gators are not out of the woods yet, as the team has a long stretch before ending the regular season and earning a playoff berth.
Head coach Chris Hambert said he doesn’t want his team to get too comfortable but he’s confident in their ability to keep the Gators’ winning record in tact.
Goleman was put to the test against district rival Mater Academy last Monday.
It’s a big turnaround from last year, as the Gators look to win its district with major competitors.
“There was some major competition this year like beating Carol City, a team that beat us twice last year,” Hambert said.
The Gators’ only loss was to Northwestern.
Hambert said his team fought hard for three periods but the fourth quarter was a different game.
“Our record is a very good accomplishment so far,” he said.
The team is banking on leading scorer point guard Gerald Lopez, and forwards Jake Rodriguez and Steben Pal.
“Those three players turned it around for us but it really has been a team effort,” he said. “They all bring something to the table. Most kids bought what we are trying to do. That’s what we are happy about.”
Hambert said his players prepared for the season by working hard during the off season, summer league and preseason.
‘They worked very hard to get to this point,” he said. “They are doing what I asked them to do and that’s the reason why we are here.”