Section Spotlight: Rio Hondo Preparatory

Between classes, practices, bus rides, games, and home hangouts, the Rio Hondo Preparatory Boys Basketball team has developed a brotherhood like no other.

“These are my boys I’d do anything for them,” said junior Nate Curtis

Nowadays it’s not unusual to see dual sport athletes in high school, but what about an entire varsity basketball team who also played on the championship football team?

“It was crazy. We had our state football game on Saturday and our first basketball game on Monday,” explained Curtis.

The Rio Hondo Kares had a remarkable season out on the football field, winning their first CIF Southern Section championship title in 11 years and within hours of their football season coming to an end, it was time to throw on the basketball jerseys.

The athletes weren’t the only ones with a quick transition from the field to the court, their coaches were right there with them. Head football coach and Athletic Director Mark Carson also fills the role as assistant basketball coach. His football defensive coach, Ed Drain, serves as the Kares head basketball coach.

“It makes us a whole lot closer to coaches. They know us a whole lot better. They know our strengths and weaknesses really good, so I think that helps with a team dynamic and they’re amazing,” said Senior Josh Taflinger.

“It’s amazing that they’re so knowledgeable, not only in football, but also basketball and baseball,” added Curtis.

“We know these young men really well and we aren’t going to just help them on the court and field, we’re helping them in the classroom making sure they’re getting their grades done,” said Mark Carson, “We’re helping them prepare for college and whatever that looks like, we’re helping them mentally and we’re a christian school, so from the spiritual side as well and helping them get through normal teenage stuff that all young kids go through”

The players joked about how sometimes the coaches will make references on the basketball court that would typically be used on the football field, but to them it’s an easy understanding.

Another aspect that keeps these athletes so bonded is the culture throughout the school.

“It’s a great group and I think it starts with a great group of families,” said Carson, “Parents who are on board with our school mission, and we’re all rowing in the same direction, so to speak.”

A lot of these athletes will even transition right back outside to the baseball field once their basketball season wraps up.