Another Season, Higher Standard: Westwood Boys Basketball 2026 Season Preview

December 13, 2026
 
Westwood Boys Basketball enters the new season shaped by what it endured a year ago.
 
Last winter’s 15–7 finish wasn’t defined by a fast start or smooth stretches — it was defined by growth. The Wolverines found themselves chasing the Tri-Valley League title late, needing results on the road and help elsewhere just to stay in the conversation. Instead of pressing, the group leaned into resilience. They won key must-win games away from home, responded to pressure situations, and turned early-season setbacks into learning moments rather than failures. That mindset carried them into a late-season surge and ultimately a share of the Tri-Valley League championship in a three-way tie — a title that once felt out of reach.
 
That experience now sets the tone for this season.
 
The focus isn’t on chasing last year’s record or reliving results — it’s on building from what was learned. Film study has been sharper. Roles have been evaluated more honestly, separating personnel from scheme. Leadership has embraced accountability with open-mindedness. And the expectation entering this winter isn’t perfection — it’s progress, toughness, and consistency.
 
That leadership begins at the top.
 
Westwood will be guided by a four-captain group that reflects both balance and selflessness. Seniors Robert Liriano-Alejandro, Ty Pindel, and Leo Chilangwa are joined by junior Adrian Ortiz, forming a group that helped fuel last season’s late push and will now be asked to carry that standard forward. The captains are defined by a team-first mindset and a commitment to doing whatever the moment requires to help the team succeed. Early practices have already shown younger players naturally gravitating toward them — a sign of trust, clarity, and respect within the locker room.
 
Liriano-Alejandro enters the season as one of the most complete players in the league and a returning TVL All-Star. An elite athlete and true three-level scorer, he can impact the game off the dribble, off the ball, or attacking the rim. He’s a fearless shooter, the best rebounding guard Coach Douglass has coached, and a quiet competitor who brings intensity when the lines are drawn. His conditioning sets the standard — first through sprints, able to outlast anyone in the gym — and with his point total already in the high 600s, the 1,000-point milestone is within reach.
 
Pindel brings a physical presence with mobility, using his frame effectively while continuing to develop into a reliable volume scorer. A TVL All-Star Honorable Mention last winter, he also enters basketball season fresh off a TVL Offensive MVP campaign on the football field, underscoring his competitiveness, toughness, and ability to impact games across sports. Chilangwa adds rare athleticism, size, speed, and vision — a dynamic player who didn’t begin playing basketball until eighth grade yet already impacts games above the rim. Ortiz rounds out the group with versatility, shooting, and a steady locker room presence that elevates those around him.
With leadership established, the philosophy behind the season becomes clearer.
 
From a scheduling standpoint, Head Coach Ryan Douglass has made his approach unmistakable: preparation matters more than record. Westwood once again scheduled aggressively, prioritizing strong competition over comfortable wins. Matchups with perennial powerhouse Mansfield, a disciplined Archbishop Williams program, and a physical Charlestown squad were chosen intentionally. In recent playoff runs, city-style teams have proven to be stumbling blocks — so the Wolverines are leaning into that challenge head-on.
 
The goal isn’t to chase wins in December. It’s to be ready in February.
 
That demanding schedule is designed to sharpen a team built around athleticism, versatility, and pace. This year’s group is expected to be fast, aggressive, and adaptable — capable of playing multiple styles depending on the opponent. Toughness and the ability to operate outside of comfort zones are non-negotiables, and the staff believes this roster is well-suited for that identity.
 
Beyond the captains, Westwood features a deep and intriguing supporting cast. Aidan Rodman returns after earning meaningful minutes last season and now steps into the point guard role. Coaches are bullish on his ceiling, believing his competitiveness, feel for the game, and two-way impact will be central to the team’s success. Dylan Zeneski has emerged as one of the program’s top defenders, showing noticeable improvement this preseason, while also being counted on to stretch the floor offensively.
 
John Powers is another name generating excitement internally. He has arrived with purpose, bringing a relentless compete level and the versatility to fill multiple roles depending on lineup needs.
The newcomer group adds both size and depth. Senior Brady Lipton joins the varsity squad with a combination of skill and physicality that helps replace what was lost to graduation. His ability to score inside and stretch defenses, paired with palpable effort and energy, has drawn early comparisons to Corbin Horn. Sophomore Tor Webb makes the jump from JV, bringing athleticism and size, while Seamus Gannon and Ben Ciejek provide added skill and depth to what coaches believe is one of the deepest rosters Westwood has had in recent years.
 
Sophomore Teddy McGowan, fresh off strong football and baseball seasons, brings athleticism and rebounding from the guard position — traits that tend to translate quickly. The staff expects his growth to accelerate as the season unfolds.
 
TVL play opens right away, with Westwood tipping off league action on Tuesday, December 16, on the road against rival Holliston — a fitting early test for a team built to compete.
 
As the program moves forward, the tone is clear: progress over perfection. Growth over comfort. Competition over convenience.
 
Coach Douglass is quick to acknowledge the roots of that culture, crediting former head coach Steve St. Martin as a mentor whose influence still runs through the program. Accountability, toughness, and a team-first mentality remain foundational pillars. He also credits his staff — calling Coach Liebrock the anchor and one of the toughest individuals he’s ever been around, likening his presence to the Marines Douglas served alongside. Assistant and JV Coach Matt Scully brings a high-IQ, student-of-the-game approach, while James Perry returns as a trusted, intuitive coach Douglass calls one of his best hires. Coaches Noone and O’Malley round out the staff, providing knowledge, consistency, and a relentless commitment to player development.
 
With leadership aligned, depth established, and a clear identity in place, Westwood enters the season prepared for the long haul. The expectation isn’t flawlessness — it’s resilience, toughness, and the willingness to grow every night.
 
And if last season taught this group anything, it’s that those traits tend to show up when it matters most.