Under the bright gym lights, the varsity boys basketball team races up and down the court, testing new plays and rotations as coaches call instructions. Teammates communicate loudly, and the season begins to take shape. 

On Dec. 2, CHS lost to Woodson in their first game of the season. Throughout the game, the team tested new plays and strategies as they worked to improve. Despite the early setback, the loss did not diminish the team’s focus or motivation moving forward 

“I feel like this season our team has been focusing a lot more on communication and just motivating each other,”  junior Amer Amer said. “I think mainly what is different this season is we’ve been focusing a lot more on individual things like conditioning, running more just to make sure we’re in shape.” 

Beyond communication, the team has also emphasized physical preparation and mental discipline. Players said practices have been more intense this season, with added conditioning designed to build endurance and confidence as they prepare for districts.  

“We have been conditioning a lot,” senior Vivaan Desai said. “The team has been practicing with more confidence and a stronger competitive mindset.” 

Last season, the team reached the first round of playoffs and lost to Oakton, completing their season with a final record 9-14. This year, the team hopes to improve on last season’s performance and make a deeper playoff run. 

  “Our biggest opponent is Westfield High School again,” junior Mateo Alvarado-Gallego said. “I feel like every year our opponent is Westfield and they’re first in our district.”

Westfield defeated Chantilly 75-38 on Jan.9. The Chargers will have another opportunity to face Westfield when the teams meet again at home on Jan. 26.

“I think we’ll go in a deeper run for the playoffs because of the unselfishness we have been having,” Alvarado-Gallego said. “Compared to last year we have been really focusing on working together more.”

Over the last few years, CHS made multiple playoff appearances. In the 2022-23 season, CHS finished with a 6-16 overall and struggled in their region, going 1-9. The team advanced to the regional semifinals but fell to Westfield High School. In the 2023-24 season the team finished with a 13-13 overall record and a 6-6 regional record, placing them third regionally.  

This year, CHS has a smaller roster than in previous seasons. The team went from 24 players last year to 14 this season, which has required players to take a larger role and be more versatile on the court. 

“I feel like as a team we have been vigilant on conditioning  and working hard for this next season and making sure we’re working together,” Desai said.

CHS continues district play with a home game scheduled for Jan. 14. With the postseason approaching in late February, the Chargers are focused on closing out the regular season and preparing for playoff competition. 

“We try to keep our spirits high,” Alvarado-Gallego said. “It’s about working together and having fun.”