Basketball: Passing the Torch

The season kicked off with a fresh start, a new coach, and a new thirst for victory. The Arts Academy At Benjamin Rush’s very own Rush Knights proved this season that it isn’t always about winning, but about making the best with what you got and never giving up. This year, captains Dat Phan and Gabe Kuyateh led their team one last time before passing on the torch. This year’s lineup was more than pretty solid, so seeing what the Knights pull of next year will be a spectacle to witness.

The starting five this season often consisted of seniors Clyde Russell (#20), Gabe Kuyateh (#24), David Dejesus (#13), Dat Phan (#21), and David Henry (#2). This was the most balanced lineup used to get a feel for the opposing team’s rhythm and play style. Russell played an aggressive offense with swift layups and rebounds in his arsenal. Kuyateh was the precise sniper this season, rarely missing any outside shot. However, what made Kuyateh a stubborn contender was his ability to quickly shift play styles; if his ranged shooting wasn’t enough, he’d quickly transition into a power forward role and cut through the defense. Dejesus played a more supportive role this season as the center, but this was no easy feat as he was responsible for the ball’s movement and distribution. In short, Dejesus was always in the air snagging rebounds and blocking opponent’s shots along with becoming a threatening wall for his allies to roll off of and score. Phan commanded his team, mostly calling the plays/resets and directing where his teammates should be for the most effective play . This vocalness became crucial especially towards the later halves of the games when the team is on edge. Henry may have arguably been the most inspirational starter this season. With his short size, it’s easy for an opponent to underestimate him, due to basketball typically being a “big boy’s sport,” however Henry proved them all wrong with his lightning dribble-crossover combination. Henry easily passed his defenders and launched three-pointers with ease. The opposing team became helpless sheep when in the path of Henry’s ferocity.

The non-starter’s were also all-stars this season who commonly gained playtime. Senior Isaac Castro (#32) was called in whenever the defense needed to be tightened or there was a gap in points that could be closed with enough three pointers. Like Kuyateh, Castro was a fierce ranged shooter. Senior, Josh Cassell (#10) was also a noticeable sub in. Cassel was also on the shorter side compared to some towering players, however his talents lied within his keen eyes. Cassel played a powerful pass route when called in and saw pathways that the opponents did not, allowing his teammates to score easy buckets. Newcomer, Nardo Tislin (#3) surprisingly got a good amount of play time this season despite being new to the team. He has shown potential to be a threatening shooting guard, as the shots he has chosen to take during his time in the game were ranged shots. Could Tislin be the one Kuyateh leaves as his successor?

The Knight’s defensive lineup consisted of a powerful man to man defense. If there’s one thing the guys got, it’s persistence. Jamal Washington (#12) Stood out among the sub-ins for his powerhouse defense. Despite being average height, Jamal never failed to slap a shot down or keep his driver in check. His incredibly aggressive defense is enough to make any opponent slip up and cause a turnover. Another sub-in put in for a stronger defense was Solomon Solumna (#30). With his arms extended and feet planted, it was was very tricky to get around Solumna, especially during a zone defense. The starting five focused on disrupting the other team’s momentum as well as looking for an opening to create a turnover.

Next year, the team will be nothing like ever before. Kuyateh described it as “coming back stronger than ever before,” while Dejesus described it as “needing work.” Since the Knights were carried mainly by seniors, the future looks a little dim. Our entire starting five will be leaving, opening the door for the next generation to take their place. The captains stated they “did their jobs” and “trust their team,” so we’ll have to see what’s in store for the guys next year. Will the torch passed on by the upcoming alumni blaze stronger than ever before, or will it fizzle out before it even has the chance to combust?