As the new basketball season begins, seniors Johan Marin and DJ Hillmon are preparing for their last run together on the court. Both captains bring different perspectives into their final year as Eagles, but they share the same goal: making this season one to remember.
For Marin the emotions are bittersweet.
“It’s my last time playing organized basketball, and it’s sad it is coming to an end,” he said. He doesn’t plan to play in college, hoping to attend the University of Oklahoma, so this season marks his last chapter of playing competitive basketball. His focus this year is leadership.
“We have a lot of transfers this year, and they are looking up to me as a senior,” Marin said. “I’ve been here all four years; a bunch of people on the team are new or transfers and they look to me as an example.”
Hillmon’s outlook on this season is more future-driven.
“I’ve played basketball for 14 years of my life and this is a very significant moment,” he said. Unlike Marin, he does plan to keep playing in college and hopefully continue to play professionally in Europe. For now his role on the court is simple: “Effort. I want to go out there and do everything the team needs, giving it my all every time.”
Both players said this year has a different feeling compared to the past.
“We’re more driven and basketball-focused,” Marin said. “We’ve got more hoop heads and everyone has the same goals this year.”
Hillmon added, “The chemistry is there. We’re always working and having fun together inside of practice and outside of it.”
The Eagles will be challenged in their first game of the season, as it is with their rivals, Harding Fine Arts, known as “The Battle of the Birds.” Last season the Eagles had a crushing loss before a big comeback later in the season. Marin said he hopes this game will be the season’s stepping point to a winning season.
“We hope to capitalize on top of our last win and get our feet under us for the season. We want to send a message to the rest of the teams that we play this year,” he said.
Hillmon called it a must-win. “It’s a big game and we know the work we put in. It’s about getting the job done.”
The captains’ long history together is another strength to the team. They’ve been teammates for five years and have been friends since sixth grade.
“We know each other’s game style,” Marin said. They believe the chemistry they have on the court will help them push through tough moments in the season.
This year also brings some change on the sidelines with the arrival of Coach Jarod Graham, a former coach from Classen SAS. Both players praised his arrival and impact on the team.
“He is a very solid coach. I’m beyond glad to have him on our staff,” Hillmon stated.
Marin added, “I think he was probably our missing piece. I’m very excited to play under him.”
Moein Mazroee, a new addition to the team, agreed. “I like all three of my coaches. They’re really funny and the newest coach is really honest and cool,” he said.
The season kicks off with a new event Midnight Madness on Nov. 7, giving fans an early look at the team.
“Come meet the coaches and team. Pop out and show out,” Marin said. Hillmon promised excitement as well: “We’ll be competing and having fun out there.”
When asked to sum up how they would like the season to go in one word, Marin chose “memorable,” while Hillmon chose “different.” Together those words show the vision of how they desire their season to go as captains and as seniors with their last run as a Harding Charter Prep Eagle. Playing with discipline this brotherhood will leave behind a legacy, along with memories to take beyond the scoreboard.
