Kentridge boys basketball wins season opener over Lindbergh

Heading into the second year of the Zac Webb era at Kentridge High School, there are some high hopes for the Chargers boys basketball team this season. In the Chargers’ 2024-25 season opener, they took on the Lindbergh Eagles, a team that is shaping up to be one of the better 2A teams this season.

Kentridge defeated the Eagles, 63-51, on Dec. 3 and extended the win streak over Lindbergh to eight straight dating back to 1988. It may have been a 12-point win, but for Webb and the Chargers, their focus is on constantly improving.

“We want to show that we can compete with the big boys… Kentridge has been there before. We are a storied program thanks to Coach Jamison. But it is our turn now,” Webb said.

In Webb’s first season a year ago, the Chargers were slow out of the gate. Against the Eagles, Kentridge shot out of a cannon, leading 13-0. Lindbergh didn’t score until a minute left in the first quarter.

“I told those guys over the last two summers and all of last season, this was the best start they have ever had. Last year we were always starting slow, digging ourselves a hole… Our defense was elite there to begin with,” Webb said.

The momentum slowed down in the second quarter, and Lindbergh crept their way back in the game. Kentridge was up 21-9 before Lindbergh went on a 12-2 run to close out the first half. The Chargers were still in front at the break with a slim two-point lead, 23-21, much due in part to Giovanni Moimoi. The junior forward had 13 first-half points, including all of the second quarter Charger points.

“His ability to put the ball on the ground and not just be a post player makes him a true three level scorer… It is night and day from his sophomore year to today,” Webb said.

He is the focal point of the offense, and in the first half, he had to deal with James Huff IV from Lindbergh — a freakishly athletic 6’6” player for the Eagles, who recorded seven first half blocks. But Moimoi started getting his teammates involved, with six Chargers scoring in the second half.

“We just had to keep feeding him. If he is on fire, we just have to keep them on fire,” said senior Josh Manzano.

Kentridge is going to deal with players like Huff all season in the new 4A NPSL. The tallest player on the Charger roster is Moimoi at 6’5” along with a trio of 6’4” teammates.

Heading to the fourth quarter, Kentridge was on top, 42-36. The lead increased thanks to Josh Manzano making four three-pointers in the fourth quarter. He made a total of five three-pointers, all of them coming in the second half.

“I set the tone. We got a whole season coming up. The fact that it started so early, it is just going to keep building,” Manzano said.

When Manzano is making shots at this level, Kentridge can be that much better.

“It couldn’t have happened to a better kid… He’s got such a bright future ahead of him. He’s lived in the gym and lived in the weight room,” Webb said.

From his sophomore year to his senior year, Manzano has put on 40 pounds, according to his head coach. The dedication to his craft is there.

“Our motto is ‘Embrace the grind,’” Manzano said.

Kentridge finished 7-14 last year, which was enough to place fifth in the league a season ago.

With Auburn and Stadium entering the league along with Kentwood (which placed fourth in state last year) on the docket, success is going to be hard to come by, but the Chargers are looking to make an impact this year.

“Every team’s goal is to make the Tacoma Dome. We don’t want to talk about that. Our first goal, number one, is to compete in each and every game. At the end of the day, we want to leave everything on the court,” Webb said.

His players echo that message and have their eyes on the league schedule.

“They should just know that the Chargers are comin’,” Manzano said.

Junior Gio Moimoi drives to the basket against Lindbergh. Ben Ray / The Reporter