Steered by new head coach Robert Salazar, sophomores Auston Gonzalez and Alex Nixon expressed optimism as the boys’ basketball team recently began its spring open gyms.

“I like the new open-gym sessions with Coach Sal. He likes to switch it up with us so we aren’t continuously doing one activity for two hours, so we’ll do some conditioning, scrimmaging and things like that,” Gonzalez said ” I’ve known him for three years and he’s been a part of the program for a long time, so it’s not difficult getting used to him as the new coach. It’s a much easier transition from Coach [Tony]  Riopelle to coach Sal than if we were getting a coach that was completely new to the program. We’re  also losing nine seniors, so open gyms benefit our team a lot because it allows us to bond and understand each other  on the court so we can play better together.”

Nixon also endorsed the new workout strategy.

“I think the open gyms are fun so far and I’m really glad to be back on the court playing,” he said. “Last season was tough, and it’s looking like this year could be a lot more enjoyable. I think the open gyms will give a lot of new players time to gel together and build chemistry before having to play  some really good teams at camp this summer.” 

Gonzalez said open gyms have helped knock off the rust.

 “It allows us to get back into the flow of playing because it’s been over two months since our last game of the season,” he said.

The open gyms will take place in the school gymnasium every Tuesday and Wednesday.

By Carl Koko