Entering this season, Windward boys basketball had won eight league championships, three CIF championships, two regional championships and two state titles.

It is a program with a tradition of success.

This year’s team was no different, clinching the Wildcats’ ninth Gold Coast title with an 8-0 conference season.

In fact, the 2023-24 team’s win percentage—85%—was its highest all-time.

“We were a really good team,” said Gavin Hightower (‘25), who finished the season as MVP of the Gold Coast League.. “Every night someone else could have a really good game. Even if it wasn’t your night, it could be your night the next game.”

After a close 69-65 loss to Notre Dame in the D1 CIF Southern Section Championships, Windward (29-5) was back in contention for a title, earning a spot in the state playoffs, where they won their first game against La Jolla Country Day, 74-59.

Unfortunately, their run was ended when they came up short against St John Bosco, losing 65-63 while playing away against the SoCal sports powerhouse.

Leadership, Chemistry Led to Success

A great deal of the team’s success can be attributed to its head coach, DJ Gay.

“Having such a good coach and understanding that he wanted the best for us—and the rest of our coaching staff as well—brought us a lot of success this season,” said Hightower.

Gavin Hightower (’25) was the MVP of the Gold Coast League.

“We weren’t there from day one,” said Coach Gay, reflecting on where the team was earlier in the season. “We lost some games that we thought we should have won.”

But these early losses galvanized the team, he explained, strengthening the players’ bond and resolve. So did his coaching philosophy.

“I never wanted the team to be too high or too low; just focused on the goal,” he said.

Coach Gay emphasized the importance of sacrifice, trust, and being great teammates. These three pillars were central to developing the team’s mindset and mentality.

His approach was reflected in his players.

Nasir Luna (‘24), a starter and captain, talked about the “buy in and commitment” that the team possessed, with players working for each other’s success and not just their own.

“I feel like we just believed in each other a lot more,” forward J.J. Harris (‘25) said, “and we just worked harder.”

Hightower, the Wildcats’ leading scorer, agreed.

“Trusting my teammates, understanding that they put in work, they’re gonna come through for me when I need them,” said Hightower, “[allowed us to] achieve a lot of the goals that we set like winning the league and getting to the championship game.”

Experience Matters

The previous year’s highs and lows were also pivotal in preparing Windward for this season.

“We were a lot more composed and ready for big moments in close games,” said Luna, recalling the 2022-23 postseason.

Graduating senior Nasir Luna and his teammates worked to add to Windward basketball’s legacy.

Experience, Jeremiah Hampton (‘25) said, was also a motivator for putting in work all year long, and for each player taking more responsibility for themselves.

“I was always in the gym, 6 AM, working out,” said Hampton. “After school I was working out. Development was always in my game.”

“I think just stepping into that leadership role,” he added, “I had to keep producing offensively and defensively and leading the team on and off the court.”

A graduating senior, Luna was also proud of the legacy he and his team left.

“We definitely put Windward boys basketball back on the map,” he said.

(Jarrett Hung and Luke Hanna assisted with the writing of this article.)