Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
As football season comes to a close, sports fans can rest easy knowing basketball is just on the horizon. The Lytle Pirates are itching to hit the hardwood and look forward to the upcoming season.
Head coach Artuo Vela said this season, he plans to have the best of both worlds in terms of playing style. Vela wants the team to push tempo to get up and down the court but be able slow down the game in the half court when needed.
“We have the players, I believe to get us scoring in chunks but also smart enough guys who have been in our program to slow the game down,” Vela said.
Half of Lytle’s roster consists of seniors, Vela said the maturity they bring has ball players will help set the standard for how they play this season.
“Many of our guys are coming back from a Co-District championship team,” Vela said. “ We know the importance of setting the tone for the team through hard work, communication, and accountability on and off the court.”
Vela is most excited to for the opportunity to take over a established winning program and hopes to build upon the legacy of success the Lytle basketball has achieved.
“The tradition here in Lytle has always been to get up and down, everything starts with getting stops and playing super-fast,” Vela said. “The Pirate way has always been to sit down and grind it out.”
Vela said the team’s philosophy is to play hard every possession and fully commit to the high standard they set. The Pirates want to hold themselves accountable and will be defined by their consistent effort, attitude and discipline.
The Pirates first scrimmage will be at home against Great Hearts Monte Vista at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10.
The Lytle Pirates roster: #1 Darius Garcia, #2 Chase Guevara, #3 Weston Jackson, #4 Jalen Rodriguez, #5 Lee Mills, #11 Clayton Jopling, #12 Seth Pierce, #14 Ethan Elizondo, #15 Antonio Castro, #21 Diego Reyna, #23 Dame Meija, #25 Marcus Medina