Boys’ B-Ball Welcomes New Coach, a Former Miner

By: Micheal Marquez-Ramirez

So who is this new varsity head coach and how did he get the opportunity to become the head coach of El Diamante varsity Basketball team? Coach Jerome Guzman was originally the Boys’ Varsity head coach, but he decided to step down and allow a previous Miner the opportunity to coach. This new coach used to play basketball at El Diamante and was actually coached by Guzman himself. Coach Guzman knew that the next person who should take charge of varsity basketball should be someone he trusted, that he knew would keep the team successful. To achieve this, he picked Greg Storey. Coach Storey had been at the team’s past practices and games numerous times, but the team did not know that he would become the next coach. He happily took the job as the head coach of El Diamante basketball and is hoping to have a strong season.

The introduction of a new coach into a program can be a little hectic. Some may have feared this, but Senior Joseph Pena disproved the idea when mentioned, “I think Coach Storey is a cool guy and a good coach. He makes practice fun, but still knows when we need to get work done and be focused.” Since Coach Storey was at multiple games and practices last season, the team does not see him as a stranger. Along with this, he has seen the team play and knows their dynamics, so the adjustment to the team’s style should not be too bad

Sophomore player Jason Meza explained, “I think he’s a good coach, I feel like he saw something special in me, and that motivates me to be better in my future. He also helps us with our schoolwork by going out of his way to talk to our teachers.” Not only does he help on the court, but he also helps outside of that with schoolwork. Coach Storey puts importance on the statement “student-athlete”, and makes sure academics is a true priority. He wants the team to succeed beyond the court and will talk to teachers to see what his team needs to improve their grades.

Senior Nathan Gurrola says, “I think Greg Storey is a kind guy, and he cares about us as a team and as individuals. He is funny and can mess around, but he also really knows his stuff. As a coach, he is one of the smartest people I’ve played for due to his experience playing at the college level. He only wants the best for us.”

It is safe to say that our boys’ basketball team does appreciate their new coach, and he knows the game well. The boys have confidence in Coach Storey, and the coach has confidence in our boys. We can’t wait to see what kind of success this new coach will bring to El Diamante for years to come, we know he will work hard for the basketball family.