The boys basketball team wrapped up their 2024 season with a 3-17 record.
It was a rebuilding year for the team with a new coach, Pete Priola, who led with a focus on learning and resilience.
Coming into a new program always has its ups and downs, and Coach Priola acknowledges there was a lot to learn.
“This first year was definitely challenging in a number of ways, as coaching usually is no matter where you are doing it,” he said. “This year was about figuring out all the ins and outs of what it takes to coach at Beachwood and in the CVC.”
Priola saw many positives throughout the year such as building relationships with players and improving the program.
“[The season involved a lot of] meeting new people–players and coaches–and identifying what is truly needed over the next three to four years to make the program strong again,” he said.
Priola emphasized the team’s need for consistency.
“Learning to play the game the right way and staying disciplined were areas the team needed to improve in,” he said.
However, Priolas’ goals remain the same as in his previous role coaching at Bedford.
“The vision has not changed,” Priola said. “We just have to be patient with the process.”
Senior Captain Jacob Thomas reflects on his last season playing for Beachwood.
“Overall, it was a fun season even though it wasn’t the outcome we wanted,” Thomas said. “[However,] there is no other feeling like playing the game you love and competing with your friends.”
Thomas feels the team was able to battle through a tough season with perseverance.
“We definitely had positive moments this season.” Thomas said “Our ability to fight ourselves back into games was important and showed the grit we had.”
Thomas learned a lot from the experience of leading the team this year.
“As a senior captain, I definitely felt more of a leader this year for the team,” he said. “I had to make sure everyone was staying focused throughout the season because it was important for me to do.”
Additionally, Thomas is proud of the team’s growth this year, even if it was not always reflected on the scoreboard.
“We were a much better team than our record shows,” he said. “There were a few things throughout most of our games that made us lose by a few points, but we know that we are capable of becoming a good team.”
Junior Captain CJ Payton also feels that this season was a very valuable learning experience for him.
“My experience this year was very fun,” he said. “However it did come with learning moments such as Coach Priola, who made it easy to adapt to his coaching style and build a stronger bond with him.”
In addition to a new coach this year, the Bison had big changes to their lineup, having to adjust with hurt players.
“We had a lot of missing players during the season, so we had to bring up some JV players,” he said. “ I think it was very hard to adjust to that, but I would say we handled it well.”
Payton was one of the players who had a standout season on the court. He averaged 13 points, 4 assists and rebounds per game.
“I think Coach Priola set up the offense for scoring opportunities for me, which definitely contributed to my success,” Payton said. “As the team was able to grow, everyone started playing better together.”
As Payton looks forward to his senior year, he is committed to stepping up as a leader and setting the tone for the team.
“I want to act as a role model for the younger players, so as a senior, I will make sure everyone feels welcomed,” he said. “We all have to put the work in from the offseason until the season comes back around—give 110%.”
With an emphasis on commitment, discipline and improvement in key areas, Coach Priola and his players are determined to build a competitive program. While this season may not have ended with the desired record, the lessons learned and the relationships formed will help contribute to future success.
