As the school year hits full swing, the Coral Gables Senior High School boys basketball team is already deep in preparation for another exciting season. Every afternoon, the sound of squeaking sneakers, bouncing balls and shouted plays fills the gym. The Cavaliers are not easing into this year, they are attacking it head-on with energy, discipline and a shared goal: to dominate the court.
Coach Armand Shoon and Chris Clarke waste no time setting the tone this year for both their varsity and junior varsity teams. They start each session with high-intensity conditioning; sprints, push-ups, suicides and drills that test their endurance. By the time they move into shooting and scrimmages, sweat is already dripping onto the court.
“The other day, three guys were late to practice, so we had our first example of ‘shell.’ It’s basically this defensive drill coach makes us do to teach us how to get your man and be ready for cutting to help out on the weak ends. After practice, we went to the track and we needed to sprint the whole thing under one minute and 30 seconds. The conditioning is definitely tiring, but as a new player, it gets me feeling prepared for the season,” sophomore Manuel Centeno-Rivera said.
The team’s practices heavily focus on communication and teamwork. During drills, players constantly call out screens, ball movement and switches. Practices vary from being in the weight room, to the courts and even on the track, keeping players on their toes. Coach Clarke emphasizes defense as the team’s foundation. Each of his players understands that great defense fuels great offense. Cavaliers practice rebounding and trapping offense until those moves come naturally on the court. They push through plays that simulate real game situations, such as locking up opponents or turning turnovers into fast breaks.
Once they secure the ball, the boys waste no time getting down the court. Their offensive strategies focus on speed and pacing, making sure to spread the floor, make smart passes and find open teammates. The team’s guards work on speeding up the tempo, while forwards perfect their positioning under the rim. During pre-season, practices feel fast and intense, with coaches constantly shouting for players to move faster as they sprint end-to-end.
“We try to play fast, but not rushed. Coach Shoon always reminds us that speed really means nothing if we’re sloppy. It’s all about staying under control while keeping pressure on the defense,” sophomore Spencer Stampler said.
This year’s team has a strong mix of veterans and rookies. Returning players lead by example and arrive early, or stay after practice to work on free throws and consistency. The younger athletes bring new energy and hustle, eager to earn their spot in the rotation.
“You can tell everyone is here for the same reason, to win. The older guys make sure the new players understand what Gables basketball is about. They don’t let them slack off, but they’re also the first to hype them up when they do something right. It’s like a brotherhood and we are all dedicated to building this team,” junior Daniel Arrechavala said.
The group’s chemistry extends beyond the court. Players are found staying after practice to joke around or play friendly scrimmages. The team has built a brotherhood that fuels their motivation to win, not just for themselves, but for each other.
In just a few weeks of hard work, the basketball team feels ready to make a statement this season. Their main goals remain clear: to stay consistent, compete for a district title and improve on last year’s record. The team and coaches understand that it will not be easy, but their preparation and confidence gives them a real shot. Fans of the game can expect a more dynamic team this year, they plan to play at a faster pace and shoot more efficiently. Home games will feel intense and moving, with the crowd feeding off the team’s ferocity.
“We’re going to play every game like it’s the championship game. I think we’ve put in too much work not to. We have been grinding for months so every possession and shot matters if we want to bring something special home,” junior Andrew Hernandez said.
With the regular season right around the corner, the Cavaliers’ determination definitely stands out. They are not just training to compete, but to win. Their pre-season efforts prove that the team is ready to give everything they can for the sport and each other. So when the first tip-off comes, expect a team that is fired up and experienced. The sound of the whistle blowing on opening night will mean one thing, the team is ready to make a statement.
