After losing key seniors last season, the Chargers are off to an undefeated start, proving that this group is ready to step up and make a statement. With a mix of experienced leadership and fresh talent, the team is aiming high in a strong 7A district.
“We try not to stress on what we lost, but on what we’re building for this season,” junior guard Miles Bledsoe said. “We’re focusing on how each of us can contribute and meet the team’s needs this year.”
Bledsoe’s mindset reflects on the work the Chargers put in long before opening tipoff. Bigger roles meant more work needed to be put in this offseason. This focus on preparation has helped set the tone for the start of the season.
“I’ve been getting in the gym a lot more than I did last year,” Bledsoe said. “Playing AAU helps because the games give me extra reps and real in-game experience. Overall, it’s really about getting consistent repetition.”
Bledsoe was not the only one putting in work this offseason. As a senior guard, Mack Shelton also focused on sharpening his skill set, knowing his team would need him to take on more responsibility this year.
“We lost our star point guard last season, and we know we’ll face even more ball pressure this year,” Shelton said. “I feel like I’ve taken real strides in my confidence handling the ball.”
Shelton’s improvement shows the bigger growth happening throughout the Chargers lineup, as several players continue adapting to larger roles and finding ways to contribute in different spots on the floor.
“I think the guys were ready for the opportunity of having less players, which in turn gives more playing time,” Shelton said. “The guys work really hard and I think nobody was fazed from losing the past seniors.”
That confidence has helped the Chargers settle into a rhythm early, and now their focus shifts toward keeping this run going and proving themselves in a strong 7A district.
“My team goals are to win in our tough region,” Shelton said. “We have a great group, but we know we’ll be outmatched in height and athleticism against some of those teams, so being able to compete and win those games is a major goal for us.”
Shelton’s focus on competing every night is also shown by his teammates, who emphasize communication and team chemistry for success in a tough region.
“I’ve seen my teammates really step up this year,” said Bledsoe. “They work hard, they communicate and they trust each other. Seeing how competitive they are in practice and how locked in they’ve been since the start gives me a lot of confidence. Everyone’s willing to do their part, and that makes me feel good about wherewe’re headed this season.”
While the players concentrate on stepping into new roles, head coach Drew Tyler has seen how their hard work and dedication has set them up for success.
“We have a group of seniors that care about our performance,” Tyler said. “ They care about each and every possession, and they do not wait on a coach to hold them accountable. And, they do a great job supporting their teammates. They do not have to be in
the spotlight, but can be excited for their teammate having success.”
With the team embracing new and bigger roles and facing difficult competition, the Chargers early success reflects not only talent but leadership that clearly shows up on and off the court.
“This year’s group does not accept any type of average play or performances,” Tyler said. “They are such humble guys that it shows in how they approach each practice and each game. They would rather put the team first than put themselves first.”
