Although the boys’ basketball season has ended, the team went out on a high note. Due to their hard work, they were able to earn best player, coach, defensive player and team of the year awards.
This year the team had a tremendous season winning 24 of their games. Not only that, but many monumental moments took place this season including winning a state championship. Also, point guard Luke Valeriano scored 1,000 points in his high school career.
Player of the Year
Waiting for the right time to shoot, Chad Baker, wants to take the lead against New Brunswick.
As a team, Colonia High School was able to accomplish a lot. But because of his hard-work and determination, power forward Chad Baker took home the award for Player of the Year.
“This was a dream come true for me,” Baker stated. “This was an early goal for me and I feel with my potential I was able to win Player of the Year.”
Baker is also thankful for Coach Jose Rodriguez’s help because, without him, Baker would not have been as successful as he was.
“Coach Rodriguez helped me mature on and off of the court,” Baker stated. “I would talk with coach after every practice so I can improve my skills which helped me become a better player.”
Coach of the Year
Watching his team succeed, Coach Jose Rodriguez, helps maintain the lead.
Not only has Rodriguez helped Baker improve, he also helped the team out. This allowed him to win the Coach of the Year award. This was Rodriguez’s first year as head basketball coach at Colonia High School and he did not disappoint. As head coach, Rodriguez was able to lead his team to a state championship.
“This was a tremendous season for our team,” Rodriguez said. “I’m extremely proud of the kids for their work and they made the school proud.”
Rodriguez is honored and humbled to be named Coach of the Year. However, that won’t stop him from pushing his team for next year.
“I plan on a long grueling off-season,” Rodriguez said. “I hope the younger guys are inspired this year by our graduating players and realize there are no shortcuts to success.”
Defensive Player of the Year
Trying to score points for Colonia, Tim Rodriguez proves that he is more than just a defensive player.
Another achievement awarded at Colonia High School was Defensive Player of the Year. Timothy Rodriguez won this award. Timothy (Tim) Rodriguez is a senior who plays the position of small forward. Tim Rodriguez has been on the varsity team for two years and his hard-work hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“It feels great to win Defensive Player of the Year,” Tim Rodriguez said. “I wasn’t sure if they had an award for this however, it was my main personal goal.”
Due to Tim Rodriguez’s help on the court, the team was able to be named Defensive Team of the Year. This was another big accomplishment for the Patriots.
“This was another great award for my team and I,” Tim Rodriguez said. “It shows just how much effort we put in as a team and without that we wouldn’t have won as many games.”
Although Tim Rodriguez contributed a lot to the defense, it took the entire team to reach the success they did.
