News Summary

The Orange High School boys basketball team, coached by Esak Crawley, is gearing up for the upcoming season after a productive summer of training and league participation. With only two returning players, the team is focusing on developing new talent while balancing their sporting goals with academic achievements. The team has participated in multiple summer leagues and personalized training sessions to enhance their skills, all while embracing a strong work ethic. As they transition to a higher division this year, optimism surrounds the team’s potential as they look to build on last season’s successes.

Orange High School Boys Basketball Team Makes Waves This Summer

Exciting times are unfolding for the Orange High School boys basketball team, who have been keeping busy this summer under the guidance of their head coach, Esak Crawley. With an impressive summer training period now under their belts, the team is looking to carry their momentum into the upcoming season.

Growth and Development Take Center Stage

Crawley couldn’t be more pleased with the progress players have made. The enthusiasm is palpable, as this year’s roster features a lot of fresh faces. Out of the entire squad, only two players are making a return. Juniors Amadou Traore and Nathanael Gravesande are back in action, ready to lead a group of eager newcomers who are vying for spots on the coveted varsity team.

Summer Leagues to Boost Skills

During the summer months, the Orange Tornadoes took part in not just one—but four different leagues. They showcased their talent at the Just June league held at Cicely Tyson School in East Orange, as well as competitive leagues at Bloomfield College, Bloomfield High School, and even the Ballin by Nature league at Oval Park in East Orange. This diverse set of experiences allowed the players to hone their skills against various competition levels.

In addition to the work put in during league play, subdivision players participated in the Orange Recreation Summer League, allowing for even more opportunities to play and improve.

Beyond the Court: Academic Focus

One of the standout themes emphasized by Coach Crawley is the importance of academics in tandem with athletic training. The program isn’t just about basketball; the vision is clear—developing “scholar-athletes” who aim for full college scholarships. By balancing their love for sport with their academic pursuits, the Tornadoes are setting themselves up for success both on and off the court.

Customized Training for Individual Improvement

This summer, players also benefited from personalized training sessions. Assistant Coach Ali Mix led individual and small group skill training, focusing on essential areas like shooting, footwork, ball-handling, screening, and effective ball movement. These customized workouts were crafted to cater to the specific interests and needs of each player, making the training not only productive but also relevant for their development.

Training was held every morning from 8 to 11 AM, making for an early start to each day. Together with assistant coaches Christopher McGlynn, Eric Sylvester, and Sacree Cotton, Coach Crawley implemented group training that combined skill-building with weight training and conditioning. The aim? To ensure that every player comes into the new season fit and ready to tackle the challenges ahead!

The Team’s Mantra

The ethos of the Orange boys basketball program is beautifully encapsulated in the motivating mantra: “Stay married to the grind.” This philosophy promotes hard work and dedication, which Coach Crawley believes is essential for the growth and success of each player. It’s great to see individuals rally around a common goal, and everyone on the team appears to be embracing this spirit.

Big Challenges Ahead

As the Tornadoes gear up for the upcoming season, they do so with a solid foundation, having achieved a notable 16-9 record in the previous winter. Last year, they even clinched the title in the Super Essex Conference–Independence Division, sharing the honor with Livingston. However, as they prepare to advance to a higher division this year, the challenges only get bigger. But with their summer of hard work behind them, optimism runs high.

The Orange High School boys basketball team is on a journey filled with promise, and fans are excited to see how they continue to develop as they head into the new season. Buckle up, Orange—this is going to be one fantastic ride!

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