This season has been one of transition for the Gatewood boys basketball team, but despite heavy roster turnover, the program is showing steady improvement and promising signs for the future.
After losing 12 players from last year’s squad — including five seniors to graduation, a transfer, injuries, and multiple departures — the Gators entered the season with a young and inexperienced lineup.
Still, long-time head coach Don Keiser said the team has embraced the challenge.
“It’s been a rough year, but it’s been fun coaching this team,” Keiser insisted. “They work hard, they’ve never given up, and we’ve gotten better almost every game.”
The team’s progress has been especially evident in recent games, highlighted by a significant reduction in turnovers. After averaging around 20 turnovers per game earlier in the season, Gatewood committed just six in its most recent contest.
“That was huge for us,” Keiser. “It’s been fun to see this team improve.”
Gatewood’s improvement has been fueled by a young core, led by eighth-grade point guard Bennett Haley, who is averaging 12 points per game.
The team has only two seniors and one junior, with Landon Moreno the lone returning starter from last season. As a junior, Moreno is averaging 12 points per game, while senior Lake Ferman contributes seven points and seven rebounds.
“This is a time in life where you really learn about yourself,” the coach said. “These boys are doing that. They keep trying hard, and they’ve never given up.”
Sophomore Brady Haley and eighth-grader Cruz Chapman have also been big contributors down the stretch for the team.
With a young roster gaining valuable minutes and confidence, Gatewood (2-15, 0-6) is laying a foundation that could pay dividends in the seasons ahead. The Gators have four games remaining in the regular season before the region tournament in February and hope to continue improving heading into postseason play.