With the holidays comes the beginning of Patriot High School boys basketball season, and it looks better than it ever has before. Notably, this year we welcome a new head coach along with a new mindset, which is evident in the way the boys are playing on the court.
A New Head Coach Brings a New Mentality
Coach Jason Horton has been a part of PHS sports for six fulfilling years and has coached from boys' basketball to girls' golf and even boys' golf. However, coaching is not the only way Horton contributes to Patriot High School; he is a CTE Criminal Justice Teacher and the advisor of four different clubs on campus: Leadership Club, Travel Club, Beyblade Club, and the Japanese Club.
Mr. Horton started his career teaching at the police academy, where he says the student interactions helped him find his passion for teaching, but his love for the youth allowed him to continue pursuing this career. When asked about his teaching philosophy, Horton expressed how he wishes for each of his students to leave his classroom not only with new information but to be able to apply the new information to their daily lives. When Jason started his unexpected career as a teacher, he did not anticipate being motivated by the students as much as he is, “Not to be sappy,” Coach said, “but the relationships I’ve created with the students are extremely meaningful to me.”
When on the court, it is important to Coach for his athletes to act with class and humility, whether it be a win or a loss. It is a priority to Horton that his athletes are always supported by him, and although at times they may need a push, he will always be there for them in times of need. Formerly, Mr. Horton was the JV boys' basketball coach and has immense gratitude to be able to take on the exciting role and journey of the head boys basketball coach. With his new position, Coach Horton hopes to build a program everyone can be proud of.
“Know that life will be filled with challenges, but if you approach things with a positive mindset you can achieve anything.” - Jason Horton
Meet the 2024 Season Captains
The captains for the 2024-2025 school year plan on leading the PHS boys' basketball team through a successful season and being top three in the league.
Jaylen Forbes
For ten years of his life, Jaylen Forbes has dedicated his time and efforts to basketball. These efforts as well as his commitment have been obvious to his audience as it led him to become captain of the boys varsity basketball team. Whilst it is true Jaylen is a very talented and skilled player, like everyone, he still makes mistakes at times. According to Forbes, the best way for him to move past them is by learning from them and using them as a way to improve and become an overall better player.
As a leader of the team, Jaylen hopes to support and build the confidence of his players the way his former and current coaches have helped him to become the player he is now. Although, at times, being both a student and an athlete simultaneously can be difficult, the most effective way for Jaylen to have motivation is to create small goals that help him reach a larger, overarching goal.
His academics are just as important to him as his sport. To prioritize his schooling, Forbes conveys how necessary it is as an athlete to ask questions and use his resources such as asking classmates questions, especially on days he missed due to games. During games, for the captain to maintain focus, it is necessary to block out noise from the audience and take the game one possession at a time. When Jaylen's final season is over, he hopes his time as a captain is memorable for his teammates.
Emiliano Sandate
Emiliano Sandate is a senior and has been playing basketball all four years here at Patriot High School. Emiliano has played basketball since he was in fifth grade and has played for multiple club teams through the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), allowing him to gain experience and knowledge in the sport. As he has grown in the program, he’s learned valuable lessons that have helped him become a proficient player.
Learning to deal with the pressure and expectations that come with high school sports have taught Sandate how to be confident in himself and helped to foster his belief that he is capable of whatever he puts his mind to. While being a student-athlete, knowing how to move on from his mistakes and being ready for the next opportunity to succeed is one of the best ways to handle setbacks, expresses Emiliano. As team captain this year, Sandate hopes to help lead the team to the top three in their league and make it to CIF.
When on the court as a leader, Emiliano describes the importance of keeping your team in check and making sure everyone is doing their part for the game to go smoothly. However, he highlights that it is just as important to keep the team in order off the court and ensure they are putting the student in the student-athlete before the athlete. By the end of the season, Emiliano hopes to leave a legacy of leadership and support for his players.
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