Just last season, the Cabrillo Seahawks men’s basketball team failed to make the playoffs with a record of 13-14. But this year couldn’t have been more opposite of last season’s struggles.

The Seahawks finished this season 23-5, placing second in their division and competed in the Elite Eight for the for the first time in school history. They were eventually defeated by Fullerton College 78-67 on March 15, ending their best season in years.

The Seahawks started the year with 12 straight wins from December through January, nearly matching last season’s win total.

“Last year, we lost a lot of close games,” said head coach James Page. “This year, we’re winning those games. Everyone feels better when you’re winning. I’ve got to credit the guys.”

Cabrillo had two sophomores achieving first-team all-state: guard Darius Best and forward Solomon Tucker. Freshman guard Jalen Cunningham was second all-state and first-team for the freshman class. Sophomore guard Taray Winfrey was an all-state notable mention.

“Would you rather win a championship or be a championship group?” Page said. “It wasn’t about the fact that we went to the Elite Eight, we had a championship group all year.”

The team will be losing notable sophomores heading into next year: guard’s Winfrey, Amare Ames, Best and forward’s Christian Rodriguez, Tucker and Clarence Martin.

Page said he won’t know who will return until player interviews.

“That’s the beauty of junior college. Every year, it’s a different group, and you’ve got to find the right pieces to put together. I think we have a good nucleus coming back,” Page said.

Freshman guard Christian Barber plans on returning to the team next year, and said he learned a lot from his sophomore teammates.

“I think I have the knowledge to teach the new ones coming in for next year,” Barber said.