The Jones College Prep Boys Basketball team defeated Amundsen High School 60-57 in an overtime win on Thursday, December 5, 2024. 

Entering the game, the team was met with a strong opponent. 

“We came into a very intense environment. They came out and they were ready to play us,” said varsity team player Aaron Laroche-Dogbe ‘26. 

The key to the team’s success stemmed from a struggle during the first half of the game. 

“We weren’t playing how we usually play during the first half,” said varsity team player Stone Cull ‘25. “Once we locked in together and realized that we needed to play as a team, so many amazing plays were made.”

Going into halftime losing 21-19, the team was instructed to stay calm and have faith. 

  “Coaches were just telling us to stay poised and stay composed. Stick to what we have been doing and what we were capable of,” said Laroche-Dogbe. 

After a hard-fought third quarter, the team trailed by 15 points but did not give up as they remembered the basics.

“Coach was telling us to wake up, that this was our game, play for each other and things will come and let them come,” said Laroche-Dogbe.

This year’s team features a variety of rising talents, in hopes of maintaining the legacy for next year.

“Aaron Laroche, he’s been stepping up big time as a junior. He’s been leading us and scoring and just playing his game, attacking the basket,” said Cull.

Laroche-Dogbe dropped 14 points in the fourth quarter and overtime combined to lead the Eagles to a win. 

“I didn’t even know I scored that much until after the coaches told me. I was just letting the game flow. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for even putting me in that position,” said Laroche-Dogbe. “And I want to thank God because he is number one and it’s all because of him.”

After the event, the team, filled with excitement and cheer, celebrated their tight match.

“Vibes were insane in the locker room. Everyone was hype. Coaches were hyped, and everyone was just happy. We’re proud of how we played,” said Loarche-Dogbe.

Building off the first win of the season, the Eagles are ready to keep the season going strong. 

“I’m really excited because our team knows what we are capable of and we could expect more wins for sure. We will just go game by game and focus on winning each game at a time,” said Laroche-Dogbe.

The team’s bond stands out on the court as the tight-knit group cohesively supports each other. 

“I think our chemistry this year is amazing and it is the best chemistry of any Jones team I’ve ever been on. We all support each other on and off the court,” said Cull. 

The team strives to invite more Jones students to support their peers by attending this year’s games. 

“We want our season to be fun, not just for us, but for the whole school community,” said Cull.