VOLCANO VISTA BOYS BASKETBALL NOT TALKING FOUR-PEAT
When it comes to this boys basketball season, most 5A coaches will tell you the team to beat is Volcano Vista. “It’s a group that comes with experience,” said head coach Greg Brown. “We have a bunch of guys who have been there and played in some big games throughout their career.”
The Hawks have won the last three state championships. Coach Brown says their past is something they’re proud of, but they are focusing on now, trying to avoid any talk of a four-peat. “We really don’t talk about it much, we just talk about the day that we’re in and how we can get better,” said Brown. “I know people are tired hearing about us saying that, but we are really focused on this year and this practice.”
“Our word this year is ‘This One’, just get this one championship, this one game, don’t worry about the past, just focus on what’s in front of us,” Aguino explained.
“There’s a little bit more pressure, a little bit more nervous, knowing people are expecting things from you, but I’m excited for it,” said David Lunn III.
The Hawks only lost two seniors from last year’s title team. They have six seniors on this squad with four starters back, including last year’s Gatorade New Mexico Boys Basketball Player of the Year Kenyon Aguino. “I feel like I’m seeing it a little bit more in our offense, flowing better and getting us set up,” said Aguino. “I feel like I’ve become a little more patient.”
“We’re just trying to build on what we had last year and keep it going, especially with our seniors, and end it on a good note,” said David Lunn III.
Aguino averaged over 22 points and 11 rebounds a game last season. He committed to play at Montana next season and is working on developing his game for the next level. “Kenyon continues to develop, and he’s spent a lot of time working on his game,” said Brown. “At the next level he’s going to have to stretch out a little bit from the basket and be a perimeter guy at times and he’s working on that.”
David Lunn is one of the more athletic players in the state and he’s only a sophomore. “This season I’ve been working a lot more with my left hand and shooting off the catch,” said Lunn III.
“David has really bought in to trying to get better,” said Brown. “David and Kenyon like being in the gym and improving.”
Head coach Greg Brown has been around basketball most of his life. He says he stays motivated by keeping other basketball passionate people around him. “I enjoy learning and having guys around me that know quite a bit,” he said. “Cesar Cuevas has been with me since I coached him and when you have David Chiotti and Josh Miller and these guys, it keeps me humble and keeps me growing.”
Volcano Vista and Greg Brown will have a big showdown against his brother Danny Brown and the Sandia Matadors on Friday the 13th.
