Coronado Men's Basketball vs Liberty

Balling for Victory//Listening carefully, Coronado’s Men’s Basketball team huddles around their coaches, who motivate the players before getting back onto the court. The team has worked extremely hard this season, having to go through many challenges, but it all paid off in the end in this final game. (Photo courtesy of Edward Haines)

On Friday, February 20th, Coronado celebrated a huge victory in sports. Coronado’s Varsity Men’s Basketball team competed against the Liberty High School’s Patriots in an incredible battle for a win. The game took place at Valley High School at 7:00pm and was the 2026 NIAA 5A Boys Basketball State Championship game. The game was tough, but our Cougars did not give up. Eventually, our Coronado Men’s Basketball team ended up winning their state championship, scoring 60-55 against the Liberty Patriots. Though this was one of the most important victories made for the team this season, it wasn’t the only success they had.

“The season was really good,” says senior Brayden Bauman, "We had over 20 wins, and it was a really fun season.”

The team was practically destined for the win, working tirelessly long hours during the season to build up strength as a team and improve so that they have a chance at their state finals. Naturally, they’re long hours and hard work paid off in the end, as this was Coronado’s Varsity Men’s Basketball team's first title ever, making history at the school. While the team did have an incredible season, there were of course many challenges, as all sports teams face.

“The most challenging thing we faced this year has got to be managing the schedule, especially all the practices and traveling,” Bauman states.

This is a tough situation that many school sports teams face. Managing and balancing games and practices with school is incredibly difficult, yet not only Coronado’s basketball team balances it well, but all of our teams do. While there were challenges and successes throughout the season, winning is not all that matters to the team.

“The best part about being on the team was the people,” Bauman explains. “Just hanging out with them, practicing with, playing with them and the bonds you create with them.”

One of the best parts about being on any school sports team is the friendships and bonds you make along the way. This does also correlate with the successes Coronado has had, because, in order to make a strong team, the players need to be able to trust each other, work together, and have special bonds that no other team can create. Coronado’s varsity basketball team is an incredible example of this, as they worked together all season, facing difficulties yet always powering through as a team, leading them to their championship win.

Coronado’s Varsity Men’s Basketball team had an absolutely incredible season, one of the best in history. They celebrated victory after victory due to their strong, resilient team, and they deserved their first title. Although the 2025-2026 basketball season is now officially over, the team will no doubt inspire many players and continue to be successful in their games in future seasons.