The Jackson-Milton boys basketball team is demonstrating resilience and a growing sense of teamwork as their season progresses. Despite a challenging start, the team has been actively “coming together and working hard,” showing significant improvement on the court. Their away game against Western Reserve, held January 9, 2026 resulted in a 58-25 loss, but the score doesn’t fully capture the teams developing chemistry.
Coach Dillion, who expressed his deep enjoyment of coaching the team, after being asked about his coaching experience stated, “I love it. It’s a joy getting to coach the guys every day. It’s the closest thing you can get to playing again is coaching. They work hard everyday at practice and will continue to get better.” He elaborated on the team’s growth, noting, “They work hard everyday at practice and will continue to get better.” This sentiment is echoed by the players, who have seen a shift in leadership dynamics throughout the season.
Initially, the team lacked a strong core of leaders, but as the season unfolded and “ younger guys are stepping up and working better together.” This collaborative spirit is crucial for their continued development. Junior Ethan Sokol encapsulates this growth mindset with his encouraging phrase, “Be comfortable being uncomfortable,” highlighting the team’s willingness to push their limits and learn from challenging situations.
While specific season-long stats are still being compiled, the team’s focus remains on improving their collective performance. The upcoming “Teacher Appreciation Night” event scheduled for January 30, 2026, Will provide a special opportunity for the team to showcase their hard work and perhaps secure a victory in front of their supportive school community. The boys are dedicated to building on their momentum and finishing the season strong.
Jackson-Milton boys basketball put up a fight this season. The boys had a 4-19 record and fought in the playoffs. Boys basketball played in the annual trophy game against western reserve, at western reserve. There were many intense and close games this season to keep our fans on their feet. Their season may not have ended how they wanted it to, but they worked and gave 100% the whole time. They had practice every weekday and some Saturdays which showed the dedication these boys had to their team. They have determination and definitely have a lot of potential. This team is a young developing team with a young core, and the team consists mainly of freshmen.
The roster for the boys Varsity 2025-2026 season was Jackson Horner (Captain), Ethan Sokol (Captain), Jonathan Bacon, Lane Taylor, Gavin Murphy, Calin Anton, Garret Bigelow, Gage Anthony. The JV boys roster was Wesley Schwarten, Aiden Croley, Nicky Rotuna, Cooper Fay, Isaac Conner, Landen Fike. There were many hard opponents and many easier opponents but their record this season doesn’t define the journey this team went on. There was only one senior this year and these boys made many memorable memories. Even if their season didn’t end the exact way they wanted it to, they still played out there and in the future these freshman boys will have such great potential. Boys basketball is such an unnoticed thing at JM and we need to give our boys some more credit, just like they deserved and earned.
Tom Sharp stated, “It may not have ended the way we wanted it to, but a record doesn’t define the ground built beneath our feet.”
Coach Chritstian Bello said, “Enjoy every moment with this crew.”
Wesley Schwarten said, “This season was definitely super unexpected and fun. “
Ethan Sokol said, “It was a tough season when having such a young team, but the talent is still there and will be in the next seasons.”
