This year, the Rocket Boys Basketball team proved that they were a force to be reckoned with. After facing many tough teams, they ended the season with a record of 15-6 and a trip to the 4A Tournament.

Josh Shirley, the head coach of the RHHS Boys Basketball Team, had positive things to say about the team’s performance this season.

“This year’s season was definitely a memorable one, having to play through several different COVID precautions and still being able to play 21 games on the year is nothing short of amazing,” Shirley said. “I am definitely proud of the team and how they responded to having to play in this environment.” 

Shirley said the team made several accomplishments this season.

“It is the first time in my six year tenure as head coach that freshmen, JV, and Varsity all finished with a winning record,” Shirley said. “Our Varsity won the AVCTL for the first time since 2010 and we made back to back state appearances for the first time since 1993.”

These accomplishments were a great victory for this Rocket basketball team, and they did not go unnoticed. Although Shirley says they did have some “rough patches” early in the season, he talked about the different ways his team has improved this year. 

“We ended up winning nine in a row and did not lose a game on the varsity level in February,” said Shirley. “Once we learned the strengths of our teammates and began trusting each other, our potential started to be reached.”

Shirley and the team are looking forward to carrying on these positives into next year’s season. 

“We know there is talent in our JV and Freshman teams, we now have to develop as a team and establish that trust with a new group,” said Shirley.