If their first game of the season is any indication, the Culver City boys’ basketball team should be an improvement from last season. Their 54-43 win over Buroughs in the Mira Costa Pacific Shores Tournament last Monday showcased a new team philosophy.
Their goal this season is to play 15 players per game based on match ups. “We kind of became this team over the off season,” said head coach Adam Eskridge. “I realized early on that we have depth and the guys play their best when they play fast so we slowly began to adopt that style. The players have really embraced what we are trying to do.”
Coach Eskridge and his staff have also been preaching defense wins games. “We can be a very good team if we commit to and take pride in our defense,” said Eskridge. “ Our scoring is predicated on our defense and creating pace and easy baskets. With a strong defensive effort we can always overcome a poor shooting night.”
The Centaurs will be led this season by senior Kyle Johnson. Johnson, who was a starting wide receiver on the football team, will probably lead the team in scoring and floor burns. Other players to watch right now are Elias Cathcart who was on the J V team last year, Isaiah Benson, Anthony Wheatle and Brandon Libatore.
Eskridge had this to say about Cathcart. “He has been kind of a late bloomer but he has really turned into a good player. He is an excellent shooter and he can handle the ball really well and he is a very good passer. He can play both guard positions and he plays great defense.”
The assistant coaches are Ryan Flynn, Robel Gonzalez, Dave Gordon and Emanuel Perez.