After 11 games, the Boston Latin School boys’ basketball team continues to excel and is charged to earn a top spot in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) State Tournament bracket. Standing at a record of 10-1, the team has put itself right at the top of the highly competitive Dual County League (DCL) and looks to make a push for the conference title.
Head Coach Jerry Etienne has taken the helm and built the team up “brick by brick,” helping them dribble past obstacles and achieve success. Since his appointment four years ago, the team has demonstrated growth, patience and resilience, all culminating to this season’s stellar overall record and 4-1 conference record. The team is currently led in scoring by Will White (III), who averages 18 points a game, and Yakub Fiin (I), who averages 15 points a game. On the other side of the court, center Evan Dalmanieras (I) locks down the court on defense, leading the team in rebounds.
The team’s momentum and progress is reflected by the level of effort brought to each game and practice. The Wolfpack does not shy away from a challenge and works hard on and off the court to achieve success. When asked about his most memorable moment, Coach Etienne says, “Every day with these guys has been memorable. Everyday we get to be together, every day I get to be with the coaches. It’s an opportunity […] for us to get better.”
The team’s perseverance throughout the years and collective attitude to always improve has created a platform for success and unforgettable moments, like drowning out crowds or nailing a game-winning three-pointer on a Friday night.
Jadon Berkson (I) describes his most memorable moment of the season so far: “Yakub drove the ball and kicked the ball out with ten seconds left. We were down by two and Dennis hit a big three for us.” The Wolfpack pulled out a thrilling 43-42 win against DCL opponents Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, a strong team looking to make a run for the MIAA Division I title.
Following their heartbreaking loss at the buzzer to Waltham High School, Michael Tran (II) states: “[The team] bounced back against Newton South High School” in a convincing 60-52 home win that showed the team’s flexibility to respond to adversity.
The string of positive results come at no surprise because it directly reflects the leadership and wealth of knowledge that their coach brings to the court. Coach Etienne began his coaching career in 2008 and has experience working with all levels — from other schools to college programs and even to National Basketball Association athletes. He comments on the team’s two main goals: “[to] win our conference, the DCL, which is a very competitive conference, and […] to qualify for our state tournament.” In order to attain these objectives, Coach Etienne has implanted discipline and strategy through his three-pronged approach: “We’ve got to make our free throws, we’ve got to guard defensively consistently and then we’ve got to take advantage of our opportunities on offense.”
In addition to stellar coaching, the team’s current success is also the result of off-season practice. Captain Jackson Prinn (I) emphasizes, “Everyone got better over the off-season and we’ve gained more chemistry playing in a lot of summer leagues and preseason games.” The team’s collective improvement has not only allowed individuals to shine, but also for the team to gain more depth and versatility with players from all grades stepping up and contributing in key moments.
As the playoffs approach, the boys’ basketball team is completely focused on winning the conference, making a playoff run and relishing in the unmatched feeling of earning a hard-fought victory. This year’s boys’ basketball team is a testament to the hard work and dedication that has given the BLS community plenty to cheer about. As the team prepares for challenges ahead, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning.
