The Chapin Husky varsity basketball team is riding high off their historic season, with head coach Rodney Lewis looking towards goals even higher this year.  

When asked of the team’s goals this season, Lewis said, “To win state.”  

“I think we have the pieces,” Lewis stated regarding the team’s ability to win a state championship, and there’s no doubt about it.  

Lewis spoke very positively of the team. “Athleticism, speed, competitiveness, they understand each other a lot,” Lewis responded when asked of the team’s strengths.  

This year, the Huskies have a lot of transfers to fill in the roster. Newcomers like Bryson Goldsmith bring a lot of athleticism to the team, while David Choe and Peyton Parker provide some much-needed size.  

The team also features big-name returner KJ Lewis who spoke on the new additions and building chemistry. “With some new guys… just trying to do everything together as a team, try to see what guys’ weaknesses and strengths are to help us get better.” 

KJ spoke very highly of the transfers, going as far to say that “our team this year is better than last year’s team… us playing more together, being a unit, bigger, more skilled.” 

Other returners include Antwonne Holmes and Manny Flores who will also provide top-tier athleticism and skill. Coach Lewis had big things to say about his returning players.  

“I consider [KJ] the best player in the city… he’s improved over the summer,” Lewis said about developing the young talent. “Antwonne Holmes had a great summer… he’s working at playing towards the next level and so is Manny Flores.”  

KJ gave specifics of the three’s offseason. “[We] worked out with each other; lifting, skill work, hanging out with each other a lot more.” He also talked about what he has been working on. “My shooting ability, being more consistent, being a better leader, and my IQ.” 

However, Coach Lewis still believes the team, as a whole, can improve in that department. “We have guys that don’t understand the work it takes to be a state championship team,” Lewis said as an issue to overcome moving forward. 

KJ mentioned another issue brought about by new varsity players. “I think newer guys are still trying to figure out their roles… this year with the transfers, them having to adjust to the top guys, trying to figure out what their role is.” 

Coach Lewis also spoke on other weaknesses the team has. “We still don’t talk as much on the court… we’re still not intense enough.” 

Above all, Lewis stressed the importance of commitment and consistency, saying, “…we’re still inconsistent in being one-hundred percent committed… I think people are only committed to a certain level… so we’re still working on that.”  

That talk of commitment and consistency extends beyond the court. “I want the guys to get their education,” Lewis responded when asked of goals apart from the game. “I want them to compete and be the best they can be for whatever they choose to be in life.” 

“It all depends on how we gel everybody together and how we are committed to being a great team,” Lewis added as a final statement on what the team must do to achieve their goals for the season.