The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
The golden era of Cabrillo Basketball is now, and fourth-year head coach Chris Spencer has been the catalyst for the transformation on the Westside.
The Jags have set a program record for wins in each of the last two seasons, culminating in a 19-win campaign last year that brought them all the way to the CIF-SS Division 2A quarterfinals.
Unlike last year’s group of Jags that had a hefty core of senior returners, this year’s roster will feature nine new players looking to uphold the recent standards of the program. In order to do that, they’ll need to work together and–in Spencer’s words–execute.
“The recurring theme of this year is ‘Execution’,” said Spencer. “We want to move away from individual styles and do everything as a team.”
The Jaguars list just four seniors on their varsity roster–compared to 10 last season–and a few have played extensive minutes for Cabrillo.
Chief among them is 6-foot-6 forward Kinsey Obue, a high-motor athlete who is a workhorse on the glass and is looking to expand his offensive game as a 12th grader. He’s one of the team captains and will be a big key for Cabrillo’s success as he leads with his energy and activity.
“We have a mentality that we’re gonna play hard and find a way to win,” Obue said. “Whether it’s gonna be a gritty, grimy game, a low-scoring game, all defense, we’re just gonna get it done and come out with the win at the end of the game … My defense has always been like a high point of my game, but this year I feel like I’ll be able to showcase more of my offensive game.”
Obue averaged over six points and eight rebounds per game last season, but expect those numbers to increase. He was a double-figure scorer in five games as a junior, but scoring was not his primary role on the team. His ability to mature as a scorer could be a big key for the Jags in 25-26.
Another veteran is senior guard Marquees “MJ” Reed, who will take over primary point guard duties after getting lots of playing time as a junior. His experience playing behind two-year starter Lincoln Dean should give him a leg up in becoming the floor general. He was fourth on the team in minutes per game behind Cabrillo’s top three seniors, and will be a key force in the Cabrillo backcourt.
He’ll be joined there by another senior co-captain in Edward Steele, who along with 6-foot-3 Narboone transfer Sebastian Eleby will provide reliable leadership on the floor.
“Eddie and Sebastian are both guys who are extremely dependable,” Spencer said. “They do everything right and are probably the most mature on the team.”
In the junior class, Emiliano Hernandez and Evan Jimenez should play lots of minutes and are capable shooters on the outside.
Looking toward the future, Spencer is high on a pair of sophomores who’ll get playing time for the Jags this year. Aaron Baptiste is a vocal, hard-working kid despite his young age, and was a varsity guy last season. Classmate Ului-He-Lotu Eteaki is a talented all-around player with an awesome nickname.
“We call him Lu50,” Spencer said. “Because at some point before he graduates he should have a 50-point game.”
Cabrillo is scheduled to open its season on Monday, Nov. 17 against Fairfax before jumping into tournament play. Their first Moore League action is scheduled for Dec. 12 with a home contest against Wilson.
