Clinton Jets 10U: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
This past weekend, I had the privilege of capturing some behind the scenes moments with the Clinton Jets 10U basketball team. It was extra special because my good friend from high school, CT, is their coach. A little background on CT: he’s a State Champ from Oxon Hill High and was one of Maryland’s most highly ranked point guards back in the day. In my eyes, he’s always been the GOAT on the court. Beyond basketball, he’s been a constant source of guidance, feedback, and motivation in my son’s basketball journey. So, attending his team’s second game of the season felt like an honor.
The Clinton Jets faced off against the Forestville Falcons at Oxon Hill Middle School. Before the game, Coach CT, alongside Coaches E and V, gathered the boys in the locker room. The energy in that small space was electric yet calm, filled with words of encouragement and affirmations.
“Just play your game, don’t play theirs,” Coach E told the boys. The coaches reminded them not to dwell on small mistakes but to focus on correcting them on the floor. Free throws, rebounds, and defense, especially defense, were emphasized. “Defense wins games,” Coach CT said.
What stood out was how the team carried themselves. No egos. No complaints about playing time. Each player understood their role and played it selflessly. It’s a refreshing mentality in a time when so many players worry about individual stats. These boys showed that by coming together as a team, they could be unstoppable.
Before heading to the court, the team stretched in the tight confines of the locker room, unbothered by the limited space. They then huddled together for a prayer, a tradition they keep before and after every game. It’s a unifying moment that goes beyond basketball, connecting them spiritually.
On the court, the Clinton Jets proved their strength, defeating the Falcons 34–27. Back in the locker room, the coaches made sure every player, whether they saw minutes on the court or cheered from the bench, felt valued. Coach CT’s leadership shone as he highlighted the importance of every role. Even a bench player’s encouragement can shift the energy of the game.
What makes this team’s coaching staff truly stand out is the chemistry between Coach CT, Coach E, and Coach V. Their connection is unmatched, built on years of playing basketball together in high school and a shared respect for the game. Each coach brings something unique to the table, yet their synergy is seamless. They study the game meticulously, constantly providing feedback and bouncing plays off one another. During timeouts and breaks, it was inspiring to watch them huddle together, exchanging quick insights and adjusting strategies on the fly. Their dynamic sets the tone for the team, modeling the kind of collaboration and trust they expect from the players.
For CT, it’s surreal to now coach the kids of people we grew up with. And he’s doing an incredible job. His approach, filled with positive affirmations and the ability to turn negatives into teaching moments, is rare. The boys are having fun and not letting the pressure of the game overwhelm them.
This team is building something special. They play with heart, respect, and unity. If they keep this up, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them celebrating a championship soon.
