From Underdogs to Superstars

Coach Lloyd Rajcoomar’s voice echoed before tip-off on March 6th: “No other team has this much heart—believe in yourself like always and you’ll do great.” Just months earlier, those words might have felt like a stretch. But on that Friday night, they became reality. The St. Peters Boys capped off a perfect 13–0 season, winning the Rockland County National Championship and completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds the Haverstraw community has seen in years.

The journey began the previous fall, when Coach Lloyd was brought in to take over a struggling program that had gone just 2–18 over the past two seasons. The challenge was steep. Only eight players signed up—one of them a 3rd grader—and expectations from the outside were modest at best. But Coach Lloyd saw something others didn’t. With over 26 years of coaching experience and a basketball upbringing in the Bronx, he leaned into what he does best: building belief.

From the very first practice, his focus was clear—mindset over everything. He instilled confidence in each player, pushing them to believe in themselves day in and day out. Rather than focusing on their weaknesses, he built up strengths, tailoring his coaching to each individual. Over time, that approach transformed not just their skill-sets, but their identity as a team.

Defense became their calling card. Coach Lloyd introduced his “Bee and Mosquito” philosophy—reminding the boys that even the smallest creatures can frustrate and overwhelm something much bigger. The message stuck. The team embraced a gritty, relentless defensive style that quickly became the backbone of their success.

Early in the season, that growth was tested. In just their second game, with their top player, Nyiem Vick, sidelined, the team was forced to rely on one another. What followed was a defining moment: Adrian Arias saved a ball from going out of bounds, moved it to London Rajcoomar, who quickly found Jace Watts for the game-winning basket. A one-point victory—but a massive turning point. It proved they could win together.

What set this team apart was Coach Lloyd’s commitment to playing everyone. No shortened bench, no favoritism—every player contributed. That decision-built trust, strengthened relationships, and created a chemistry that showed up in every game. As the season progressed, the boys didn’t just improve—they matured. They became more disciplined, more confident, and more connected.

By the time they reached the championship, they weren’t just a team; they were a unit. And when the final buzzer sounded, it wasn’t simply a win on the scoreboard. It was the culmination of months of growth, resilience, and belief.

The impact has stretched far beyond the court. The Haverstraw community has rallied around these young men, taking immense pride in what they’ve accomplished. Sign-ups for next season are already on the rise, and the energy around the program has completely shifted. Coach Lloyd title has come to mean much more—he’s a mentor, a role model, and a steady presence in these boys’ lives.

For a team that started with so little, the transformation has been extraordinary. And while the undefeated record will be remembered, what stands out most is how far these young boys have come. In just a few short months, they’ve grown into young men their community is proud to stand behind.