Janiya Negron is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Heritage Academy Laveen for AZPreps365.com

Central boys basketball team took home its first win of the season defeating Metro Tech, 110-27. 

Central, a 5A Metro team coached by Darren Bustos, showed nothing but eagerness and tenacity in its time on the court and the Bobcats have the stats to back it up in previous seasons. 

After finishing first in their region last season, the Bobcats enter the new year carrying high expectations.

Darren Bustos shared his thoughts on his team and how they are going about their journey this new season. 

“We have a lot of new faces in our program so we’re just trying to create that chemistry that we had last year, then from there we can create what kind of identity we want within the games we play.” Bustos stated. 

On a team that consistently dominates his opponents, it's easier for players to get caught up in the success, but staying grounded remains just as important. 

“We use a lot of subs right now and with the chemistry and teamwork, we create that kind of atmosphere where the team comes first and it takes care of itself,” Bustos expressed. “The team first attitude is what we try to promote here.” 

Dominic Rojas, a point guard and shooting guard for the Bobcats, reflects on this game and how it sets the tone for the season.

“I think it’s a good starter, obviously not the game we wanted but probably a game we needed to get started,” Rojas exclaimed. “In our scrimmage we weren’t looking too good. We just need to tighten up the scrimmages, trying to get back to good basketball like we did last year.”

Practices are just as important as the games as it helps players prepare and be able to hone in their skills before they go against an opponent. Rojas speaks on what the Bobcats have been doing to prepare for this season. 

“It’s been really fun, playing with this team is going to be very fun so just trying to get prepared for the season in the weight room, practices, and school. It’s going to be really fun.” Rojas said.

Metro Tech High School, a 5A Metro team, coached by Jorge Espinoza, continues to focus on growth and teamwork as the Knights navigate a rebuilding phase this new season. 

Espinoza provides insight to what the Knights are taking away from this game and how they handle the outcomes of the results that don’t go in their favor. 

“I want them to gain experience and get a team like Central out of the way, right away and show us where we stand coming off of the summer and coming off of the coaching change,” Espinoza says. “The most important part was just learning no matter what the score was, just learning.”

The Bobcats know what kind of team they can be this year, and they’re already moving like a group ready to make this season another strong run.