The boys’ and girls’ basketball seasons have tipped off in Spring Branch ISD. This season promises plenty fast breaks, crossovers, dunks, and step-back threes to thrill even the biggest basketball fans. Check out the season overviews given by the head coaches for each of Spring Branch ISD’s varsity basketball squads.

Boys Basketball

Memorial High School – Coach Newman Lay

The Memorial Mustangs' work ethic is something that coach Newman Lay said excites him about this season. He loves their character, willingness to be coached and commitment to improving.

Coach Lay said he’s proud of the bond that his team shows through adversity and the family attitude shown towards the underclassmen. He talked about the maturity of a team that comforted the Memorial freshman squad after the recent death of a classmate.

Fans should keep an eye out for the leadership and defense of Sean Rodriguez, the ball-handling and defense of Oliver Riner, the well-roundedness of Matthew Janeck, the rebounding and hustle of Sam Bakht, and the strength, size, and hustle of Will Klingberg. Coach Lay raved about the defensive skills of all his starters.

Northbrook High School – Coach Jason Campbell

The Northbrook Raiders basketball team is a group of guys who will always play hard for each other to accomplish their goals, according to coach Jason Campbell. They are ready to work to be the best team on the court each night.

“I am thankful that I get to lead this group of talented young men, talented coaching staff, and campus into another year where our teams will give all we have in every single game we play,” Campbell said.

The Raiders have multiple players who will make an impact, including the seniors: second-team all-district point guard Christian Perez, small forward Peter Vidales, and multi-sport athlete Arnez Simien. These players will provide explosive plays and leadership this season.

Spring Woods High School – Coach Joe Gibson

Spring Woods High School’s basketball coach Joe Gibson is excited about the experience he has returning to the court after lacing up a relatively young team in the 2021 season.

He said that he’s proud of the hard work his team put into improving since its 2020-21 campaign. The players have been in the lab working on their skills, chemistry and fundamentals; fans should be excited about the gains they’ve made heading into the 2021-22 season.

When asked what players should Tigers basketball fans look out for this year on the hardwood, Gibson said, “I think the fans should look forward to seeing all the players on the team because they have matured over the past year. And it will be really exciting watching them compete.”

Stratford High School – Coach Brett Nixon

The Stratford Spartans finished above .500 in the 2020-21 season and look to success on and off the court. Coach Brett Nixon said he is “excited about the opportunity to help grow these young men, not only as basketball players, but also as people.”

He marveled at their work ethic and said his team’s pride comes from grinding as hard as it can to reach its full potential on the hardwood.

When asked about new or returning players that fans should look out for as they cheer for the Spartans this season, Nixon said “We have a team full of returners and it is going to be a really exciting year for Stratford Basketball.”

Girls Basketball

Memorial High School - Coach Jyusef Larry

The Memorial Mustangs Girls Basketball team picks up where it left off. After a playoff run last year, the team is off to a hot start, and coach Jyusef Larry said, “Constantly connected is one of the pillars of what we want to be as a program. This group has that, and they continue to get even closer.”

Larry added that his players worked from the end of last season up until this point to put themselves in a position to become the best team that they can be. He noted that without the dedication and work that they put in from March until now, the Mustangs would not have started off 5-0 this season.

“The beauty of our team is the strength we have in numbers,” Larry said. “Everyone can space the floor and score. If you try to lock in and take away one thing, the other four players on the floor will hurt you.”

Northbrook High School – Coach Tenisha Townsend

Northbrook Raiders Girls Basketball Coach Tenisha Townsend will have a season of beginnings. She has a squad that that boasts a lot of players who worked their way up to the varsity team from junior varsity last year. She is excited about the fact that they want to learn, compete, and win at the varsity level.

“I’m proud knowing that this team wants to compete and change this program around,” Townsend said. “When the girls have that mentality of wanting to change the program around, it makes my job easier because I know they’re going to work hard, give their best effort and buy into the system.”

Fans should be on the lookout for returning players Ashley Reyes-Diaz, Nyla Walker, Madison Campbell, and Jasmine Ochoa when watching games this season.

Spring Woods High School – Coach Paul Cone

Spring Wood Tigers Girls Basketball has a lot to be excited about this year. Coach Paul Cone said the team is young, but it has a ton of potential. He expects to see a lot of growth on the court this season.

When asked about what brings him pride about the team Coach Cone said, “It’s all about the small victories. We have a tight-knit group that is looking to improve.”

There are a few players that fans should look out for this season, and they are the reason Cone said there is tremendous potential for growth. Sophomore Noelle Berry, and freshmen Brittany Bargas and Melody Nowling are underclassmen who will step up and make plays for the Tigers this year.

Stratford High School – Coach Alexis Green

Continued growth is a theme for Stratford Girls Basketball. Coach Alexis Green said the Spartans “have a solid group of returners and many promising young players. The combination of these groups will bring us success and a good chance for a playoff spot when it’s all said and done.”

Successful programs have one thing in common, a winning culture, and the Spartans are en route to establishing that. Green said “it still amazes me how much they want to learn and grow every single practice, weight room session and game. They consistently show me their willingness to be great!”

Fourth year-letterman Jasmine Green leads the Spartans averaging 15 points and 12 rebounds, but Audrey Hernandez, JaKyla Cheeves and Maggie Parker each bring leadership and tenacity to the court.