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Abby Santos

The stomping of bleachers, the bouncing student section, the slam dunks, the screaming crowds. This is one of the most anticipated times of the year,the  2023-24 basketball season. The Jags come into the upcoming  season looking for another state championship to add in their trophy case.  Having previous dominant history on the court, with a class 5A-State Championship in 2021, and even earning a spot on Nike’s Elite schools. With this much hype around basketball at Pines Charter, this upcoming season is bound to be filled with excitement.

Pines Charter is no stranger to what a successful season looks like. In the last 4 years, the Jags have accumulated 80 wins, to only 21 losses. Averaging about 70 points per game. Last season may have been a bit of a let down for the Jaguars as they finished with a record of 16-11. 

The  plan is  to bounce back stronger than ever.  New talent arriving to the squad, transfers such as Max Ortega (Junior- Point Guard ), and Ramez Zayed- (Senior Shooting Guard /Point Guard), the future’s looking bright for the Jaguars.

The path to that destination may be a bumpy one though, as the Jags have a rigorous schedule ahead of them this season. Games that players like Joshua Harris- (Senior Small Forward /Power Forward ) are most excited for are Norland and Saint Thomas Aquinas; even playing out-of-state powerhouse, Oxon Hill.

For being a coach for over 40 plus years, Coach Opalka, Assistant Coach  believes the most important games are always the ones next on the schedule. “We start off with a preseason tournament, playing both defending state championship teams from last year; Miami Mater Lakes Academy, and Sagemont.”

 The Jags are known for their fast paced high adrenaline playstyle, making wildly entertaining games, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Having one common goal in mind ,“to win a ring” Max Ortega expresses with excitement. The goal to win a championship may not be all that far-fetched.  With the immense talent coming into this season, and if the  mindset of this team holds,  this upcoming season seems bright and in favor for the Jaguars.