This season, the Cathedral Catholic boys varsity basketball team, ranked first in the Western League this season, shoots for another chance to acquire the State Championship title and a banner for the Claver Center.

In addition to strong returning players, the Dons will be joined by new star athletes as they plan to conquer the court this year. Mr. William Cunningham, Head Coach of Boy’s Basketball for the past 6 years, raves about Brandon McCoy ’17 and Je’von Figaro ’17 “[as] they’ll help our overall talent and athleticism.”

The Union Tribune quoted ESPN saying McCoy is an “exceptional athlete with long arms and soft hands, quick feet, a soft touch, length and bounce.” The high profile junior is 5-star ESPN recruit with a multitude of offers such as Kansas, Michigan, Michigan State, SDSU, Oregon, Arizona, and UCLA. McCoy averaged 19.7 points, 18.3 rebounds, and 6.6 blocks a game last season as a sophomore.

“Brandon’s one of the best players I have ever seen,” second year team co-captain and Union Tribune player to watch, Reid Johnson ’16 said. “He’s a great post player and has a lot of energy, it’s really exciting.”

Figaro ’17, the backup point guard for the Dons, is the “quickest and most athletic kid I have ever seen” said Johnson.

Also noted by the Union Tribune as players to watch this season are Austin Beech ’16, commented as “athletic with a big frame.” Alongside Cameron Moore ’16, a “key, veteran contributor.”

With the newest additions to the team, their goal of achieving State is not far out of reach. Their teams strengths of good defense, competitiveness, athleticism and good shooting are not distant from the confidence said by Cunningham, “we do everything well.”

Watch the Dons take on the La Jolla Vikings Jan. 5, at 5:15 in the Claver Center to start the road to State.