The boys basketball team at Cypress High School is a close-knit team with dedicated coaches and an electric group of fans that helps to bring energy to every game.
Round 3 CIF is the farthest we’ve ever gone for basketball, and we’re going to try and do it again this year,” Hayden Roberts, a senior forward wing, said. This amazing achievement moved Cypress Basketball up to rank 65 in the state. These achievements make the current variety team feel empowered to make it even farther than last year.
One of the incredible things at the basketball games is the energy brought by the crowd. Senior forward Jackson Houston said, “It is really great to have people show up and support, it truly shows how close everyone is at Cypress.” Ethan Mai, a junior point guard, added “The Cyp-hype crowd really helps us bring energy to the game and rattles the other team.” This energy really helps the crowd feel involved and makes the players happy to know that their community is showing up to support them.
The team’s success can be seen through the hard work all the coaches and players put in. Each player believes in the concept of “we” instead of “I.” Mai stated, “We’re not individuals, we’re a team, so when we come out, we come out as Cypress.”
Head Coach Derek Mitchell also tries to reinforce the players spirit and confidence. “Before every game, I try to find a quote that they can relate to,” Mitchell said. The balance of discipline and enjoyment helps the team stay focused in a positive environment.
The team’s spectacular dynamic has formed between the players and coaches. Senior standout Kingston Birdsong wanted to “thank my teammates and my coaches for making me better.” Assistant Coach Benny Hoang highlighted this collaborative approach: “We are players’ coaches; we understand, we empathize, we sympathize, and we want to get better together.”
This family-like atmosphere makes even the toughest practices enjoyable. “My players are the best because I’m a hard coach and demand so much and they come to practice every day ready to work as hard as they can,” said Coach Mitchell. The players’ drive and commitment have helped to create a successful team and amazing environment.
