The boys basketball team has officially concluded their 2025-2026 season. Looking back from the beginning of the year, the boys have been nothing short from successful.
We gathered senior Deng Deng, and assistant coach and counselor Sam Hoopes to hear a little bit more of what they have to say about the season outside of the gym.
When asked about team setbacks and how they adapted to them, Hoopes explained that no significant setback broke apart the team. He did include more minor setbacks, like illnesses, injuries, and inconveniences.
When asked about team setbacks, Deng included how player’s court absences created new opportunities for underclassmen and upperclassmen to pick up roles and embrace playing time.
Despite these circumstances, the Bulldogs had quick rebound rates figuratively and literally, and strived hard for efficient improvement!
“My favorite moment from my four years at Judge was winning the state championship,” Deng said. The Bulldogs won a state title in 2024 against South Summit, making them hopeful for a repeat.
“My favorite part of the year was seeing the boys being so happy, and growing together through basketball by forming a family,” Hoopes said. This was huge for Hoopes, as it was his first season at Judge Memorial.
Hoopes includes how every game is crucial to the overall outcome. “We are going into this as another game we have to win,” Hoopes said.
“We started rough. We started O and 2 against LCA and Orem, but then we picked it up and started beating teams, and then went on from there,” Deng said.
The Bulldogs went 17-12 for their year and finished second in 3A Region 14.
Despite the loss to Richfield in the semifinals, the Bulldogs were able to place third place in the 2025 3A State Playoffs.
“My plan after high school is to play basketball in college,” Deng said.
Our senior boys strive to continue this ball legacy beyond high school. Overall, Judge Memorial Basketball had an incredibly memorable season, and we couldn’t be prouder!
Special thanks to our coaches; Sanjin Kolovrat, Zeus Martinez, Jake Bero-Van Wagoner, Sam Hoopes, and Nate Cook.
