![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Varsity boys basketball team smashes Eastside College Prep 62-40 on senior night
Varsity boys basketball seniors Matthew Chen, Mike Sullivan, Abhi Namala, Gordon Chen, Rishi Cherukuri and KJ Williams pose for a group photo with their families and coaches.
February 18, 2023
The varsity boys basketball team coasted to a 62-40 victory over Eastside College Preparatory on Tuesday after their senior night ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
During the ceremony, varsity boys basketball coach Alfredo Alves invited each senior and their family to the gym floor and shared the seniors’ favorite memories and advice to younger teammates. Seniors Gordon Chen, Matthew Chen, Rishi Cherukuri, Abhi Namala, Mike Sullivan and KJ Williams each received bouquets and origami leis from other members of the team.
“When you make a mistake, welcome it,” Alves said, reading aloud Mike’s advice to his teammates. “Use the opportunity to learn [from the mistake] and fight for the next play.”
Eastside pulled ahead early on in the game, but co-captain and forward Abhi led the Eagles’ recovery, with the Panthers holding their last lead of the night at around five and half minutes into the first quarter. With a three-pointer from point and shooting guard Max Xing (11), Harker ended the quarter dominating 12-9.
In the second quarter, the Eagles continued to pull ahead. Point and shooting guard Michael Chang (11) and Max scored a combined total of four three-pointers through a half court offensive strategy that involved rotating the ball until it reached an open player. Meanwhile, Harker’s defense held Eastside to just four points, bringing the score to 36-13 by halftime.
“In practices, we have been working on playing really hard, physical but clean defense and then cleaning up the glass when we rebound,” varsity boys basketball assistant coach Cutum Derecho said. “Those have definitely been the two main focuses of the season.”
In the second half of the game, the Panthers lifted their score with several three-pointers, but the Eagles managed to secure a clear victory regardless. KJ boosted Harker’s lead with three-pointers and jump shots, while Matthew hit multiple free throws, and Gordon made a jump shot, drawing out cheers from the crowd. Eastside scored the final points of the game, trailing Harker 62-40.
“It was very emotionally rewarding to see them playing on senior night, but it was very difficult to sit on the wrong side of the gym,” former Head of Upper School and former varsity boys basketball head coach Butch Keller said. “Tonight is a night that they’ll talk about the rest of their lives. It’s very special when your family’s with you, and there are people that you love in the stands, so I’m very happy for everybody involved.”
The varsity boys basketball team holds a season record of 16-8 and will kick off CCS playoffs against Marina High School with a home game today at 7 p.m.
