Men’s soccer and basketball teams shoot for the playoffs

Goalkeeper Niku Khatami

By Caleb Peckham

The men’s winter sports teams at Tempe Prep are planning to step up in these upcoming chillier months. Several years have passed since either the basketball or soccer team has made the playoffs, so a successful season is long overdue.

Despite being hit hard by key injuries, the Knights’ basketball team hopes to compete well in coach Jonathan Lambros’ first full season. TPA basketball fortunately benefits from its placement in AIA’s Division IV, which gives the Knights a good shot at gaining a playoff berth. In addition, the senior leadership of Sam Sprout, Gaspar Tonnesen, Anthony Brittain, and Jacob Fischer will aid TPA’s redemptive mission.

Goalkeeper Niku Khatami kicks off another season.

After barely missing out on the playoffs the last several seasons, Tempe Prep’s men’s soccer team is poised to have a breakthrough year. Although the team lost several key starters from last year’s squad, the arrival of new coach Kenny Sale and several skilled freshmen and sophomores should buoy the Knights. TPA soccer is challenged by the AIA’s placement of the small school teams in Division III, which throws the Knights in with much larger schools. Despite these obstacles, TPA aims to be playing into February for the first time in years.