Coach: Jason Griffith

What’s new: The Mount Si boys basketball team has a new coach this year, Jason Griffith. Currently in his 15th year of coaching, Griffith was previously the head coach of the Issaquah High School team, which he brought to the state tournament, more than once.

“Four out of five of the last years at Issaquah we went to the state tournament,” Griffith said. “So we are really trying to bring the same foundation we had over at Issaquah and the same philosophy we had at that program.”

Griffith met with the players in May when he was hired and began working with them in June, but said the regular practices they have had in November have really improved the players. In only three weeks of practice, Griffith said he has seen the boys make big improvements.

“There have been big jumps and a lot more progress when you can work with them each day,” he said. “We are trying to hold them accountable each day and not allow them to slip back, so we’ve had some tough practices, but we’re still focusing on executing from the offensive side of the ball.”

Captains Gavin Gorrell and Brenden Botten said the team is working well with the new coach and they have built a good chemistry, not only with Griffith, but also with the rest of the coaching staff.

“This year with coach Griffith we have a strong defensive mindset,” Gorrell said. “Last year, we were competitive at times, but couldn’t finish games, but that is going to come into play with the new coach, learning how to finish games and having the right type of defense.”

Looking ahead: The team is working on improving their defensive game, which was one of their weaker points last season, with the help of coach Griffith.

“The first thing we started with these guys is the defensive end, getting our stand, how to play tough defense, contest shots, rebound,” Griffith said. “Some of the stuff we are demanding them to do, some of it is new to them. That was our bread and butter at Issaquah. We are trying to bring that same toughness, that level of competition to this program. So far they are doing a good job of catching on.”

The team, hoping to win their first game against Issaquah, is hopeful for the new season and taking on the rest of the league with renewed motivation.

Captains: Gavin Gorrell, senior, and Brenden Botten, Junior.

Don’t Miss: Mount Si vs. Eastlake at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Mount Si High School.

Mount Si Varsity Boys Basketball Schedule

Tue, Dec 6, 7:15 p.m., vs. Issaquah at Home

Fri, Dec 9, 8 p.m., vs. Newport at Newport High School

Tue, Dec 13, 7:15 p.m., vs. Eastlake at Home

Fri, Dec 16, 7:30 p.m., vs. Bothell At Bothell High School

Tue, Jan 3, 7:15 p.m., vs. Skyline at Skyline High School

Fri, Jan 6, 8 p.m., vs. Inglemoor at Home

Tue, Jan 10, 7:15 p.m., vs. Newport at Home

Fri, Jan 13, 7:30 p.m., vs. Woodinville at Woodinville High School

Mon, Jan 16, 8:30 p.m., vs. Archbishop Murphy at Showare Center

Tue, Jan 17, 7:15 p.m., vs. Eastlake at Eastlake High School

Fri, Jan 20, 8 pm., vs. Bothell at Home

Tue, Jan 24, 7:15 p.m., vs. Issaquah at Issaquah High School

Fri, Jan 27, 8 p.m.,vs. Inglemoor at Inglemoor High School

Tue, Jan 31, 7:15 p.m., vs. Skyline at Home

Fri, Feb 3, 8 p.m., vs. Woodinville at Home