Vinnie Cammarano
Key Points
The Wekiva Mustangs boys basketball team spent the offseason working, battling, and getting over how last season ended. Now, with much of their roster returning and a stronger sense of brotherhood developed within the program, they’re looking to turn that disappointment into something big.
Wekiva finished 20-8 last season before suffering a heartbreaking first-round exit in the state tournament, falling to Viera on a buzzer-beater. Entering his 13th season, head coach Gersino Lubin believes this year’s group has the talent to make a deeper postseason run, but understands that reaching that goal will require more than talent alone.
“Just how (last season) ended, I would say the motivation been there throughout the summer,” Lubin said. “The loss is one of those things that stings and it stays in your mind until you get a chance to play again.”
The Mustangs return seven players from last year’s team, including seniors Eric Nichols, Bryce Dangerfield, Kenny Dieujuste, Kaiden Jean-Louis, Ameer Garland and Jace Moore, along with junior Khai Orr.
They also added two transfers in junior Morgan Reese, who moved to the area from Miami Norland High School, and junior King Ikner, who transferred from Dr. Phillips.
With that returning experience comes increased expectations, but Lubin has been encouraged by the development of players throughout the offseason.
Moore has made significant strides attacking the paint and creating scoring opportunities, while Garland has dedicated extra time to improving his shot. Nichols remains one of the team’s most reliable scoring threats, with Lubin describing him as a professional who holds himself accountable and encourages his teammates.
Orr has continued developing into a disruptive defensive presence, while Dieujuste has embraced a bigger leadership role. Jean-Louis has also become more aggressive attacking the basket, giving the Mustangs another two-way threat around the rim.
Ikner brings an added defensive presence to the lineup. Lubin jokingly described the newcomer as the most annoying player on the court, referring to his ability to pressure opponents, disrupt possessions and get into opposing players’ heads.
Despite the individual improvements, Lubin was hesitant to single out one player when asked who had made the biggest jump.
“Everybody’s putting something on the table, so that means if we fail, everybody tends to lose something,” Lubin said. “Everybody has something at stake. Everybody has something invested, so that’s why I would say every single one of them stepped up. I’m happy to see their improvement.”
For Lubin, however, the biggest strength of this year’s team might have little to do with what happens on the court.
He pointed to the brotherhood that has developed among the players, describing a group that spends time together outside of basketball and holds one another accountable.
“Their biggest strength is their brotherhood,” Lubin said. “Last year we had a brotherhood, but it was sort of separated in a sense. This year, all those guys are constantly, always around each other, and they hold each other accountable too.”
That chemistry has carried into the team’s preparation, with Orr describing a demanding offseason.
“The workouts this offseason has been a lot,” Orr said. “Putting in a lot of work every single day, we’re running on the track, we’re heavy in the weight room, and just getting up a lot of shots to prepare for the upcoming season because we’re projected to have a state run.”
Orr has his own individual goals entering the season, hoping to lead the district and the Orlando area in steals while continuing to establish himself as one of the team’s defensive leaders.
Newcomer Ikner has also embraced the team’s expectations, with his personal goal being to fit into the program, fulfill his responsibilities and help the Mustangs reach their ultimate objective.
“I think we have a really great squad, I feel like we’re gonna make it far this year. I hope I can fit in the team, fill my role and do my responsibilities,” Ikner said.
That objective is clear for Lubin: a state championship.
He acknowledged that reaching the championship level requires some luck, pointing back to the final shot that ended Wekiva’s postseason run last year. But he believes the Mustangs have the personnel to compete with anyone if they remain committed to building the right habits.
“Our goal this year is to win state,” Lubin said. “We have a team that can go all the way, but you can’t skip the process that it’s going to take to get there.”
The Mustangs opened their annual Tip-Off Classic against Jones before facing East River in the second game Thursday. Their regular-season opener is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday against cross–town rival Apopka.
After 20 wins and a postseason exit that still lingers, Wekiva enters the new season with a familiar goal but a renewed sense of purpose.
“Talent isn’t enough,” Lubin said. “When we’re blessed enough to get there, we have built the habits to take it as far as we can, with a little luck.”
