Step into the locker room of the Seven Lakes boys basketball team and peek inside a varsity player’s locker.
There, tailored for that particular athlete, lies a clear outline of their role for the season, detailing three or four expectations set by Coach Shannon Heston.
“Before they come to that first practice, they know their role and that’s when buy-in is established,” Heston shared. “We have a discussion and assess where they stand concerning our objectives.”
Since his arrival in 2009, Heston’s Spartans have claimed seven district championships, including the last three consecutively, alongside four appearances in regional tournaments. Currently ranked No. 23 in the SBLive/Sports Illustrated Texas high school basketball standings, Seven Lakes boasts a record of 23-5 this season, on track for a fourth consecutive 30-win year.
The program cultivated by Heston commands respect and admiration throughout the Greater Houston area.
A key element contributing to that success is the buy-in that Heston promotes. While Seven Lakes has produced its share of star players like A.J. Bates, Nasir Price, Trey Pinkney, Princeton Onwas, and Atif Russell, today’s standout is Isaiah Santos. However, it’s the contributions of others that complete the Spartan roster.
Depth defines the program. This has been true for Seven Lakes historically and remains a hallmark this season.
Take Wednesday’s 79-67 District 19-6A triumph over a formidable 22-4 Katy squad. Heston rotated ten players in the first quarter of a closely contested game. The Spartans’ bench contributed a noteworthy 18 points.
The Spartans overwhelm opponents with their depth; it’s not uncommon for Heston to substitute five players in and out early in games.
Players are certainly committed, and while that’s evident, there’s also a clear standard each player, from freshmen to seniors, must meet.
In a commanding performance against a solid Katy team, the Spartans delivered a clean sweep at all levels on Wednesday, with every team securing a win.
“You have to have a great staff, coaches who are dedicated to working with and developing the younger levels,” Heston noted. “Our aspiration at the start of the year for all our teams is a district championship. That’s always the first target. The players know this is the expectation, and they give their utmost to achieve it each year.
“Because we are consistently competing for these titles, I believe the players grow and fully embrace the mindset of winning and doing what’s necessary to support the team.”
Junior Jose Martins is one of those many contributors. As often the first guard off the bench, he played a crucial role in the game against Katy.
During the opening quarter against Katy, Martins nailed two three-pointers, sparking a strong 15-7 run to end the period and shifting a three-point deficit into a five-point lead.
“Just read the game and play off what the other team is doing,” Martins explained. “I try to find ways to impact the game positively.”
Also making significant contributions are senior sharpshooter Jaden Nelson, versatile senior wing Ayden Clark, and the lively sophomore forward Alex Teahan.
Junior guard Hudson Smith may not always get consistent playing time, but he made an impact earlier this season, knocking down four three-pointers in a district victory.
“Coach grants us the freedom to play,” Martins noted. “He encourages us to play our game. If someone is having an off night, there’s always another player ready to step up.”
Typically, there are also a few late bloomers, a testament to a player’s hard work to earn more minutes and the dedicated coaches who cater to every player on the roster.
One such player this season is senior forward Godtrace “GT” Ngoh, whose family relocated to Katy from McAllen just two weeks into the school year in August.
Ngoh is an athletic powerhouse at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds. He played tight end for the Spartans during the fall and has collegiate offers for both football and basketball.
“I haven’t made a decision on what sport I’ll pursue yet,” Ngoh revealed.
If Seven Lakes aims for another deep postseason journey, Ngoh must assert himself on the court.
In the matchup against Katy, Ngoh registered seven points and four rebounds, marking his best performance to date.
“One of the things about GT is that he’s likely been the most athletically gifted individual for the majority of his life on nearly every team he’s joined,” Heston observed. “He has made strides in learning work ethic and accountability, which have contributed to his growth into the player we saw on Wednesday and whom we are witnessing evolve in practices.”
Ngoh expressed his belief that he can be a considerable asset to the team. Although adjusting to the Spartans’ culture was initially a challenge, he is steadily finding his place.
“Definitely the intensity and the work ethic,” Ngoh remarked, comparing Seven Lakes to his previous experiences in McAllen Memorial, his former school. “The coaching staff, in general, is very much focused on the players and helping them get to the next level.
“Here, everyone has an opportunity to touch the basketball. At McAllen Memorial, only a couple guys got to touch the ball. Here, everyone’s more involved in the offense, and just playing the game, in general.”
Ngoh entered the program with a less-than-ideal fitness level, which posed a challenge for a team known for its fast-paced play. However, he has dedicated himself to improving his conditioning and is now able to maintain his effort for longer stretches during games.
“Knocking some rust off from football season, he’s getting his footwork down,” Heston remarked. “He’s beginning to develop that touch around the rim. He’s an incredible athlete and a fantastic young man.”
Ngoh, who describes himself as being at about “60%” of his potential, is beginning to grasp what other players at Seven Lakes must learn: that hard work earns them Heston’s trust, which will, in turn, translate into increased playing time.
“Some of those light bulbs have clicked on for him, and some of those dominos are falling in the right way for him,” Heston commented. “We’re expecting big things from him down the stretch.”
Heston and his staff emphasize confidence, and his players reflect that mindset.
Players are aware that when they get their chance, they can enter a game, play quickly, take open shots, and be assertive both offensively and defensively.
“We all get to show what kind of player we are,” Martins said.
Who will step up as the next Christian Follis?
Follis, who was a senior last season, initially thought he wouldn’t see much playing time that year. By the postseason, however, he was making crucial contributions, including a pivotal role in a game against Clear Creek and nailing clutch shots during a regional quarterfinal victory against the undefeated Clements.
Any one of the current Spartans could emerge as a Follis, transitioning from a lesser-used reserve to a spot starter and key contributor.
“Though they’re probably outperforming our expectations,” Heston reflected on this season’s depth, “we did expect a lot from them.”
