Above: The JV Basketball team poses for a photo after winning the 2017 CHSAA City Championship.

On February 26, the Regis JV Basketball team won the CHSAA City Championship over league rival LaSalle by a final score of 40-34. In his ninth year coaching at Regis, Brian Taylor '04 led the team to his fifth straight championship appearance (three as coach of the freshman team, and two as JV coach). This was his third championship win as a Regis coach, and his first as JV coach.

"I saw some potential on the team last year, and they really improved from freshman to sophomores," said Taylor. "Last year, as freshmen, they lost a heartbreaker to this same LaSalle squad in the championship."

Throughout the season, Coach Taylor knew his team had the talent to win every game, but did not want his players overlooking any opponent.

"The biggest challenge was keeping guys focused. We were dominating most teams so they were extremely confident they'd continue to walk into gyms and win."

The team earned the top seed in the playoffs with an impressive 13-0 league record, and a 23-2 overall record.

"The guys were very relaxed all of playoff week leading into the championship," said Taylor. "There were some clear nerves the day of the game but they reeled it in quickly. My nerves leading up to the game came from just wanting the game to start. We had been looking forward to the championship from a very early point in the season and all of our practice and preparation was in lead-up for that game."

The Regis team never trailed in the championship, though they never held a secure lead. At halftime, the team focused on limiting mistakes and getting out to guard LaSalle's jump shots.

"These guys have the potential to be a really special class and do some great things at the Varsity level," added Taylor. "Defensively, their instincts are extremely strong which is rare for the JV level, so as their offensive games continue to develop they could be even more dominant."

Duncan Barcelona '19 joined the team this year, and noted that the desire to win the championship was extremely evident all season long.

"The entire year was amazing with many unforgettable memories on the court and off the court," said Barcelona, reflecting on the season.

"Coach Taylor's excellent plays and coaching was a major factor into us winning it all. From not making the team in freshman year to then winning the championship in sophomore year, it was a crazy journey for me."

Above: The Regis JV team catches their breath while taking a foul shot during the 2017 CHSAA City Championship.