The ASIJ varsity boys basketball team has performed well this season under Coach Ryan Naughton, despite facing injuries and roster challenges. This year, the squad was young, with most players being juniors. Further, compared with last season’s roster, this team is shorter by an average of three to four inches and lighter by about 15 pounds, forcing a major shift in playing style. “Last year, we played slower, more set-piece basketball. This year, we’re focusing on playing uptempo, more pressing, running, and using our strengths to generate turnovers and layups,” Coach Naughton explained at the start of the season.
The Manila Tournament
The team’s first major test came at the Asia Cup in Manila, where Davi B. was injured, forcing the team to play on without a key player. Despite this, ASIJ competed in every game, with each contest coming down to the final possession. Most notably, the Mustangs defeated Hong Kong International School (HKIS), the team that went on to win the entire tournament. Though the team didn’t place in the top three, they used this experience as a confidence builder as they moved into the season.
Beyond the court, in Manila, the team experienced significant growth in mentality and communication. At the start of the season, players rarely talked to each other on the court; yet, Manila marked a significant increase in effective team communication. The team became more vocal, more introspective, and more aware of what it takes to win in high-pressure situations. “Early into the season, we were making stupid mistakes because we were lacking team chemistry,” junior guard Jackson B. explains, “though we soon found our rhythm.”
The Kanto Classic
In mid-January, ASIJ hosted the 8th annual Kanto Classic, a three-day tournament that brought together 24 teams across the Pacific, including squads from Guam and the International School of Bangkok. The tournament was indispensable to the team, as it provided more experience in tough games before the Far East Championship, which was just a few weeks away.
The Mustangs picked up wins over Yokohama International School and Kubasaki, showing the uptempo style Coach Naughton had been building all season. While the tournament was ultimately won by Father Duenas Memorial from Guam, ASIJ used the event to sharpen its game against diverse competition and unfamiliar playing styles.
Far East Championship
The season’s biggest stage arrived in early February, when ASIJ traveled to Yokosuka Naval Base for the Far East Division I championship. Placed in Pool B alongside Humphreys, Kubasaki, and St. Mary’s, the mustangs knew they would face elite competition from the very beginning.
ASIJ battled through a tough bracket but was unable to advance deep into the elimination rounds. Despite the result, the team competed hard in every game and continued to show the growth that had defined their season.
Looking Ahead
For a young, undersized team that had to reinvent itself this season, a third-place finish at Far East demonstrates its ability to overcome formidable challenges. The Mustangs, which started as a team that struggled to communicate on the court, have become one that competes with the best in the Pacific, a testament to the culture Coach Naughton has built. With the core of the roster returning next year, the foundation is set for an even stronger run in the 26-27 season.
