After a successful 2022 to 2023 season, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity basketball team believes they can continue to win and compete at a high level while addressing some of last year’s issues. 

The Marauders finished first in the Delta League last year with a record of 12-0 and overall record of 26-6, but their season came to a close with a loss to the Modesto Christian School Crusaders in the Section Championship Tournament. Guard Kevin Haupt ’24 is confident that this year, the team will be better because of their chemistry on the court.

“The mindset of going into this season is to be connected within our team and to win and compete at the highest level we can,” Kevin said. “We are going to win because we will play connected and compete with each other game after game.”

The team is confident in their ability to succeed this year as long as they stay focused and give it their all every night. Forward Nathan Brown ’24 hopes the team will carry this mindset with them throughout the season.

“Going into the season, the mindset is that we can be really good; we just have to lock in mentally,” Nathan said. “When the season ends, I want to look back and be satisfied with my and the team’s efforts, knowing we left everything out there.” 

Forward Cole Epperson ’24 trusts that the roster’s skill, the sense of team they have built with each other, and the work ethic taught by their coaches will help the Marauders succeed this season.

“This team can win because of the amount of talent we have and the connection we have on and off the court,” Cole said. “We have a lot of respect for each other and our coaches and we practice hard. Our mindset is to go out and win every game. We will win because we want it more; we play hard and we play together.”

This year, the varsity team is older and more experienced, consisting of eight seniors compared to last season’s five. 

“We have a lot of experience on this team,” said Head Coach Timothy Kelly. “Eight seniors gives us a chance to win; leadership is essential to a good team. These guys have been through many practices and big games – they know what it takes to win.”

Guard Justin Zara ’24 and the rest of his team are set on winning this season for Jesuit.

“In a team setting, our mindset is focused on winning and making it to Sections,” Justin said. “We want to be a part of that select group that has won a blue banner for basketball to strongly represent our school.”

The Marauders go into this basketball season with greater trust in each other, with more experience, and the same determination to win that defines Jesuit sports. This determination is already on display, as they kicked off their season on Saturday, Nov. 25, with a decisive win against Oak Ridge High School, beating them 65-52. They have won three of their first four games this season.

The Father Barry Christmas Classic tips off today, Dec. 7. Come support our team when they take on St. Marys of Stockton at 6:30 p.m.