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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — With the 2023 winter basketball season currently underway, let’s meet the head of varsity boys team at Huntington Beach High School (HBHS), Coach Tino Zaragoza.

What is your personal experience in the sport?

Tino Zaragoza: I was a four-year starter at Northwood High School, and after graduation, I played college ball at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa.

How would you describe the culture of the HBHS team, and how do you encourage that as a coach?

Zaragoza: We really feel like we are brothers out there, We break every huddle with the chant ‘Family on three!’ I personally love to promote team bonding and make practices and our time together as enjoyable as possible. If the boys are not having fun, we will never reach our full potential.

Can you share the names of three players to watch this season?

Zaragoza: Luke Kumaric is a senior and a four-year starter on varsity. He is our captain and go-to guy, so I expect big things from Luke this season. Next would have to be Tyler Mangold, who is a senior and one of our best scorers. He can shoot with the hardest players on him and can defend the other team’s best guards as well. Finally, Aaron Heller is a senior with a ton of talent. At 6’ 6″, he can score from the inside, as well as knock the outside shot. He will be one of the best players in our league this season.

What do you expect to see from your team this season?

Zaragoza: I really feel we have a great group of kids and [know] that they can do big things. I have high expectations for our team this season and believe we can reach our goals. Speaking of goals, ours are to win League and make a run in the postseason.

What legacy do you want to leave as a coach?

Zaragoza: I want to leave a positive, lasting impact on these kids — win or lose. If they can look back in 20 years and say how much they enjoyed their high school basketball experience, then I did my job.

How can the community support you and the Oiler Basketball program?

Zaragoza: I would absolutely love for our community to come out and support our boys at our home games. Having people come and watch is so important for our guys, they have put in countless hours of blood sweat, and tears and are leaving it all out there for their school, their community, and themselves. So please come support Oiler Basketball this season!

Oilers Varsity Boys Basketball Schedule

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