Prospect Hill Academy Charter School Boys basketball finished their season hosting and winning the first round of MIAA State D5 Tournament. Some other accomplishes to mention are, it was their first MCSAO Championship game they played in since 2011 (14years ago) and Dennis Orellana made Coach of the Year for the second time. Their league is split in 2 divisions North and South and they were Regular Season Champions for North Division. Here are some reflections about the season from the Athletic Director, Coach and players.

From Athletic Director:

“The boys’ varsity team showed a great deal of growth throughout the season, culminating in the programs first MIAA tournament victory and gaining valuable experience. They’ll be returning many of their key contributors next year and the future looks very bright.” Geoff Lerner

Edward Nyasembi, Player of the Year 2x Captain 11th grader:

“I liked the sense of togetherness and the bonds that were created during this season. Ever since open runs and the summer leagues, we saw each other more and more, which then led to us become closer, like family. 

Something that stood out to me was the championship attitude that we had. Last year we missed out on the states by one game and lost a very close playoff game vs excel in the first round, and from that moment, the energy shifted. We weren’t going to have the same season that we had last year. We started helping our teammates off the floor immediately, clapping for them, encouraging them, and held them accountable, on and off the court. Essen-tially all the small details and on top of that, we all made sacrifices in order to benefit the team, small or little like missing out on job opportunities and spending time with friends and family. We accomplished and grew a lot because of that, individually and as a team, on and off the court.  As a 3-year varsity player and 2x captain, playing for PHA means everything to me. From playing with our guys since I was little and seeing them evolve as player makes me excited for the future and what we can become.

My most memorable moment as a wizard was our game vs Roxbury Prep. We were down for majority of the game, but we kept it close. It was a back-and-forth game until the last minute or so where we had a game winning layup and steal. This is my most memorable game be-cause we had fought through adversity all season and when it matter, we came through by doing what we’ve been doing all season, by staying together.

No one thought that we could make it as far as we did, and it’s always been like that, no one believed in us but US. We won’t stop at a championship game appearance or 1 MIAA win, we’re coming for it all. it’s our time now. it’s time to make way for the kings of the north (MCSAO North Division Champs).”

Pedro Hartmann 2x Captain 2x All Star 11th grader:

“What I like about our season is that we sticked together. Our coach always said that championship attitude is by picking up your teammates from the ground or giving high fives and giving positive talk. We really took that advice, and it made us get to know each other more on a deeper level of things. It made all of us closer. We were all teammates but now we’re all brothers”

Micah Crawford (10th grade) 2x All Star:

“I liked playing with these guys, we build a brotherhood and did really good this season we had each other backs and helped each other through many obstacles.”

Captain Senior Garrick Bell:

“What I liked about this season was that we had championship attitude. Meaning diving for the ball, giving our teammates positive feedback, and making sure that the bench is also a part of the game. Without Coach D believing in us and pushing to where we came be, we wouldn’t have been far in the MIAA & MCSAO. This season helped us build a stronger bond with our teammates and showed us the importance of PHA basketball. We went from being cordial and friends to brothers.”

Dennis Orellana “Coach D” Player Alum C/O 2006:

“This was fun. Last year was my first year as Head Coach Varsity, we had to battle a ton of ad-versity throughout the season, but adversity can make or break you. These kids are fighters and had to adapt, I knew they would, but more about when.

I am still processing the season but these kids, this team restored alumni connection and school pride in a major way, with most games packed out. I was pumped clinching MIAA states on Jan 30th but making the league championship was amazing, little sweeter per-sonally, as I helped lead to our school 1st Championship as a player in 2006 but didn’t realize our last appearance was 14 years ago in 2011. This team had high goals but only 2 short on that list which were winning 2 championships.

This #PHAmily is special, and I know, it won’t hit them until later in life, how strong they are and they are going to be successful. It’s not about winning or losing but it’s the process that’s the victory. The bonds created is what truly last. The culture forming is exciting and can’t wait to continue having fun and the work in the future! #PHAmilyOn6”