Following an outstanding 2024–25 campaign, Coach Brian Findley and The Rock’s Varsity Boys Basketball Team are set to make another run at the SIAA Sunshine Division title. Last season, the Lions finished as the #1 seed in the division before falling to a tough BCAT squad in the semifinals. For his leadership and the team’s success, Coach Findley was named the Sunshine Division Coach of the Year.
As The Rock looks ahead to the new season, the program will feature a mix of returning experience and exciting young talent. The team graduated four seniors and saw three key contributors earn promotions to the National Team. Despite the roster turnover, the varsity group returns two dynamic starters — junior guards Kyroe Jordan and Kayden Merricks — who will anchor the backcourt with leadership, speed, and scoring ability.
Joining them is transfer guard Evan McCumber from Santa Fe High School, who brings valuable local experience and shooting depth. The backcourt will also be strengthened by promising freshmen Marco Johnson, Levi Hyatt, and Elijah Harden, each expected to contribute energy and playmaking ability as they adjust to new roles on the varsity level.
Senior Jafari Hicks is the team’s lone senior, and sophomores Deondrae Alford and Jayden Minor are expected to bring intensity and spark off the bench. Rounding out the group, juniors Josiah Hurst and Connor Milligan aim to provide steady upperclass leadership and depth in the rotation.
Coach Findley expressed optimism and pride in this year’s roster:
“This group is hungry,” Findley said. “They’ve seen what it takes to compete at the top of the Sunshine Division, and they’re ready to carry that standard forward. We have a great mix of returners and new faces, and I’m confident this team will continue to build on the foundation we’ve laid.”
With renewed energy, balanced leadership, and a clear sense of purpose, The Rock Varsity Team looks poised to once again be a major contender in the SIAA Sunshine Division.
