The winter season is quickly approaching and that means one thing: time for another exciting boys basketball season. Accordingly, it is only appropriate to begin showcasing the program and pointing out its strengths. Although nothing is set in stone, I will be making my predictions for five guarantees for the upcoming season.

The boys varsity basketball team has a brand new head coach, and he will be using his experience and skills in order to progress this young and talented team to the next level. Steve Scifres will be taking the reins and receiving a very well rounded group of players. Scifres brings a plethora of knowledge and accolades and will be focused on getting the team in game shape and ready to start another productive season and playoff run.

Prediction #1: Agoura's basketball program will make it to the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) southern section playoffs. I know this is a strong statement, especially since the entire Marmonte League is extremely competitive, but the Agoura boys basketball team has a very young and talented squad. The Chargers have an above average defense paired with an offense that can put up points rapidly. If the team can stay healthy and compliment each other's individual skills, this will be a given.

Prediction #2: Chase Isaacs and Michael Soffer, both starters on the varsity team, will combine to record over 400 points over the course of tournament and league play. Isaacs is a small forward and does a great job slashing to the basket. He has a very quick first step and is also a very smart basketball player. Isaacs is also an extremely gifted passer and possesses a lethal outside shot. When Isaacs is on, he is one of the stronger scorers in the Marmonte League.  Michael Soffer is a first year varsity player who is going to have a huge impact on the team this year. Soffer is another gifted player with an outstanding perimeter jump shot who also possesses a great ability to get to the basket and finish in traffic. These two weapons will contribute a good portion of the Charger's scoring this year.

Prediction #3: Agoura varsity basketball coach, Steve Scifres, will be in the running for coach of the year for the Marmonte League. Scifres has won this accolade before as head coach for the very successful Agoura girls varsity basketball squad and knows what it takes to be successful. With numerous talent and fluidity growing amongst the team, the Chargers have a bright future ahead of them. Scifres will only help the team acquire success easier and improve their record along the way.

Prediction #4: Eric Budginas, Charger center, will average a "double double" (accumulating double digits in points and rebounds) over the course of the regular season. Budginas is a very versatile player that will be used to alter shots and clog the middle of the key on defense. He has a very strong build and will use that to block shots and create space to grab rebounds. 

Prediction #5: Jake Sherman, Charger point guard, will record over 100 assists over the course of the regular season and tournament play. Sherman does a great job of getting the ball to his scorers and finding the open man in transition. He also has a strong outside shot that keeps defenders honest and helps him get to the basket and finish in traffic. 

The Agoura boys varsity basketball squad has the talent, athleticism and support. Now they just need to stay focused and healthy throughout the arduous season. The sky's the limit for this talented group, and I look forward to watching all five of my predictions come true this season.