Mustangs Boys Basketball: Coaching Staff Brings Experience

 

There’s a new coaching staff leading the Boys Basketball team, but they are all familiar faces with years of experience and dedication to Lucerne Valley sports. Head Coach Jason Hart and Assistant Coach John Navarro most recently developed the Middle School boys squad — Hart oversaw the program for five years while Navarro joined last season — and Adrian Gonzalez is a former Lucerne Valley High School standout who assisted last year’s boy’s Varsity team. Additionally, coaches Hart (1998), Navarro (2001) and Gonzalez (2021) are all LVHS graduates.

 

Five freshmen who last year played on Hart’s Middle School team join 13 others for an impressive 18-player roster. “They know what to expect,” Coach Hart said of the younger players.

 

There are four seniors, three juniors, six sophomores and five freshmen. “It’s a big group of guys,” said Coach Navarro. “We’ve got some depth. We have a good group of guys.”

 

Seniors Aiden Morgan, 6’2”, an aggressive rebounder who plays both forward and center, and Avary Baruch, a 6’0” forward/guard lead the returners with fast-moving guard Oswaldo Lopez, 5’3”, providing on-court leadership and energy. Sophomore Isaiah Navarro, 5’10”, is a vocal leader who readily transmits positive vibes.

 

“He draws them in,” Coach Hart said of Isaiah’s leadership. “The players really respect that.”

 

The team began practice on Oct. 1st, as soon as football was over.  They practiced in heat, rain, wind and other elements outdoors. Now they share gym time with the girls team. “You can tell our players have the desire and they’re driven,” Coach Hart said.

 

Coaches Hart and Navarro see the 2022 season as just a start. Slowly but surely the program will grow and improve.

 

“Both of our goals is to be here for the long run,” Coach Hart said. “We want to bring back basketball culture,” Coach Navarro added.