Before the whistle even blew to start the Nov. 18 basketball game between Miami Coral Park and Key West high schools, fans were amped. They yelled and cheered as the players entered the gym.
“Everything is at 110%,” said forward David Fanning. “There’s no slowing down, and we’re going to stay consistent.”
Miami Coral Park Senior High School’s boys basketball team started the season strong with a 91-68 win against Key West High School. The victory was a promising look into what the 2025-2026 season will bring this year after the Rams ended last season as runners-up in the district championships.
Miami Coral Park doesn’t have a long history of winning, but has recently played much better. This shift in being one of the best teams at the school started three years ago, when Coral Park got a new head coach.
Ralph Lara, who has 12 years of coaching experience, saw the potential of what the team could become. He wanted to change how the team practiced and create a sense of family amongst the team, which started with the first team.
With Coach Lara, the team’s ranking in Florida has gone up to #208, a 328-place increase from before he joined.
Last season, the team reached the district finals, finally losing to Southridge in a squeaker, 54-50. That Rams team included nine seniors, and the sting of losing them has left the Coral Park student body wanting more.
“We don’t want to feel like that again,” Coach Lara said.
That loss has shaped this team’s mindset, pushing them to combine toughness with teamwork. Bonding exercises, player-led meetings and a strong sense of camaraderie mean the Rams often work through challenges on their own.
“A lot of these guys have been friends for years,” Coach Lara said. “They figure things out together, and that’s the best part about this group.”
The culture extends beyond the court. Alums from previous seasons still show up to support games and team practices, demonstrating how deep the team’s roots run.
“In the stands right now, we have guys from three years ago that still come to all the games and support,” Coach Lara said.
Although the loss initially hurt, the players share the positive outlook of their coach. All aim for better things this season.
On the court, leadership comes from seniors like forward David Fanning and guard Joseph Rubi. Fanning has dreams of going professional, and his confidence sets the tone for the team as captain.
“We already know we’re going to make it again,” he said.
Rubi, who has been with Coach Lara since seventh grade, has seen the program grow.
“Our goal is to keep the culture that we had from last year,” said Rubi.
Both players emphasized that Lara’s influence goes far beyond simple plays.
“Without him, we are nothing,” Fanning said. “He has our backs even outside the court.”
Players’ motivation is uplifted more by this family bond that has been created. Forward Noah Lara, a sophomore, pointed this out as one of his reasons for trying out.
“Everything is so close, there’s no rift between us,” said Lara.
Off-court players send messages of support and motivation to each other so the positivity continues to the next game.
That bond connects the junior varsity and varsity teams in hyping each other up to win games. Players from both teams stay to cheer for every point scored, they’re the loudest in the crowd.
Students see the basketball team as a great representation of what their school offers.
Samantha Zamora, a junior, watches the basketball games up close by being an athletic trainer. She wasn’t surprised by how well last season went because of how good the team is but she is still happy when she watches the games.
“A lot of people hate on our school,” said Zamora. “So when we win it feels good.“
The day after each win, students are told on the morning announcements to congratulate the players and bring up the day’s mood.
This excitement from the first game is only the beginning. The goal is to go even bigger this year,
“The idea is to get to districts,” said Coach Lara. “But I know this team can make it to regionals.”
