Class of 2025 Ninja Senior Tribute: Reflections and Memories
Join us in celebrating the incredible Class of 2025 Ninja seniors! The Ninja boys' team share their senior photos, baby pictures, special memories, and heartfelt reflections on their journey. We’re proud of everything they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s next!
Michael Hom
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First and foremost, I would like to thank the Ninja organization for such a memorable experience. Playing on this team throughout the years have been some of my fondest memories of my life and they are times I will never forget. Thank you to Coach Dane and Coach Ryan for sticking with us through the highs and lows and for being amazing friends, mentors, and role models for all of us. I would also like to thank all of the parents who helped run this team, from organizing tournaments to planning dinners on travel tournaments, I am grateful for all of the work you guys have put in to ensure a memorable experience for us. Finally, thank you to my teammates. Not only has this entire experience with the Ninja organization been extremely fun both on and off the court, it has been filled with competitive games and thankfully lots of black shirts. You guys have really become my brothers and I couldn't have asked for a better group to spend my years with.
My favorite memory is probably playing tackle football at the LA hotel in seventh grade, but specifically, when Noah got hit in the face with the weighted ball we were playing with.
To me, Ninja basketball represents loyalty, friendship, hard work, and determination. The experience it has provided me is not one that can easily be found through other outlets of basketball and I could not have asked for a better organization to spend my years with.
My favorite memory is probably playing tackle football at the LA hotel in seventh grade, but specifically, when Noah got hit in the face with the weighted ball we were playing with.
To me, Ninja basketball represents loyalty, friendship, hard work, and determination. The experience it has provided me is not one that can easily be found through other outlets of basketball and I could not have asked for a better organization to spend my years with.
Noah Kikuta
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Looking back on my time with the Ninja basketball team, I have so many people to thank and great memories to share. First off, thanks to my parents for always supporting me and getting me to all the events. To my mom and Mr. Hom, thank you for being the team parents and for all the hard work you put in to keep us organized.
Coach Oggi, you've been more than just a coach—you've been a friend on and off the court. Coach Dane, your leadership has been amazing, and both of you have been such great role models. And Coach Dane, I still can't believe you named your daughter after me—you just forgot the h at the end of her name.
To my teammates, you guys made the Ninja experience unforgettable. From winning a bunch of tournaments to our Disneyland trip before the FOR tournament, and all the fun times hanging out in hotels during away games, these moments are the best.
Overall, my seven years as a Ninja have been incredible. I've learned so much about basketball and life, and I've made friendships that will last forever.
Coach Oggi, you've been more than just a coach—you've been a friend on and off the court. Coach Dane, your leadership has been amazing, and both of you have been such great role models. And Coach Dane, I still can't believe you named your daughter after me—you just forgot the h at the end of her name.
To my teammates, you guys made the Ninja experience unforgettable. From winning a bunch of tournaments to our Disneyland trip before the FOR tournament, and all the fun times hanging out in hotels during away games, these moments are the best.
Overall, my seven years as a Ninja have been incredible. I've learned so much about basketball and life, and I've made friendships that will last forever.
Ian Hsu
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Thank you to all of my teammates for competing alongside me as a Ninja these past years. I would also like to thank the Ninja organization, parents, Coach Dane, and Coach Ryan who have made my whole experience memorable. And most importantly, thank you to my Mom, Dad, and sister who have constantly supported me throughout my many endeavors, including this Ninja journey. My favorite Ninja memory was in 7th grade when we were playing tackle football with a weighted gym ball and Noah got smacked in the face when he hiked the ball. I enjoy playing basketball with this team, but more importantly, I love hanging out with this band of brothers. Whether it was hanging out in the hotel or getting food after games, to me, these were the truly special and meaningful moments. Ninja to me is much more than just playing basketball. It is the brotherhood, bonds, and long lasting memories that were created along this journey that I will forever treasure! I am so grateful to have been a part of this amazing Ninja organization.
Jalen Moon
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I would like to thank the Ninja organization and all the Ninja families for how amazing they have made the Ninja experience. Since the first day I joined Ninja I’ve always felt welcomed and have had so much fun. I would like to give a big thanks to our coaches Dane and Ryan for not only being our coaches but our friends and mentors. My favorite Ninja memory is winning the Ninja Tournament in 10th grade. Our team hadn’t won a tournament in over a year but we stuck with it and came back out on top. To me being a Ninja means being a great teammate on and off the court and most importantly to have fun playing basketball. I’ve made so many friends along the way during my Ninja journey that it will always be something positive to look back on. Thank you to the Ninja Organization, Coach Dane, and Coach Ryan for creating such a memorable Ninja experience.
Josh Casteneda
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Hello everyone! I'm Josh Castaneda and I've been a ninja since the 9th grade and I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who's been part of the Ninjas family.
To our coaches, Coach Dane and Coach Ryan, and everyone behind the scenes-thank you for all the hard work and dedication. You've taught us so much, both on and off the court. I always enjoyed learning from you guys and Ive strived to become the best player I could be.
To my teammates, the Ninjas—we've become more than just a team; we're family. Its always been fun traveling with you guys and hanging out. We’ve gone through some differences and had some tough tournaments, but we always find a way to persevere through it all. Winning all
these tournaments is always the best moment for us and it creates great memories for our future. It's been an honor to play alongside each of you.
And to my family, thank you for your endless support and for always being there for me. Thank you driving me to tournaments and practices. and thank you for getting us flights for us to go to all the travel tournaments. Its great having your guys’ support.
Thank you all for supporting us and being part of this journey and I hope we have a great final
season.
To our coaches, Coach Dane and Coach Ryan, and everyone behind the scenes-thank you for all the hard work and dedication. You've taught us so much, both on and off the court. I always enjoyed learning from you guys and Ive strived to become the best player I could be.
To my teammates, the Ninjas—we've become more than just a team; we're family. Its always been fun traveling with you guys and hanging out. We’ve gone through some differences and had some tough tournaments, but we always find a way to persevere through it all. Winning all
these tournaments is always the best moment for us and it creates great memories for our future. It's been an honor to play alongside each of you.
And to my family, thank you for your endless support and for always being there for me. Thank you driving me to tournaments and practices. and thank you for getting us flights for us to go to all the travel tournaments. Its great having your guys’ support.
Thank you all for supporting us and being part of this journey and I hope we have a great final
season.
Chase Simpelo
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Devin Quan
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I would like to thank my family and all the other parents who have helped me throughout my time as a Ninja. Without them, I would never have been able to go to practices, participate in exciting games, and travel to big tournaments. I am thankful for my
coaches who gave me a chance to be a part of a great team. I am also thankful to the Ninja organization who allowed me to represent their team. Finally, I am thankful for my teammates. The bond and memories that we have created will always be remembered.
coaches who gave me a chance to be a part of a great team. I am also thankful to the Ninja organization who allowed me to represent their team. Finally, I am thankful for my teammates. The bond and memories that we have created will always be remembered.
Stanley Du
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Thank you to my parents for always driving me to every game and practice. Thank you to my coaches for always being supportive of me, and thank you to my teammates for being fun people and giving me a great Ninja experience. My favorite memory was watching Cevan dunk on Owen in practice.
Owen Tsao
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To start off, I would like to thank the Ninja organization for giving me this opportunity to play competitive basketball and meet new people. I never expected to become so close with this group of teammates and I am thankful for all the memories we were able to make together. My favorite moment was definitely at this year’s Reno tournament when we were all hanging out at
the Grand Sierra Resort. I would also like to thank Coach Dane, Coach Ryan, and my parents for always being great mentors and supporting us along the way. Although playing basketball would sometimes get tough, this organization truly allowed me to enjoy the sport to the fullest.
the Grand Sierra Resort. I would also like to thank Coach Dane, Coach Ryan, and my parents for always being great mentors and supporting us along the way. Although playing basketball would sometimes get tough, this organization truly allowed me to enjoy the sport to the fullest.
Vince Madriaga
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Throughout my two years, I have had such a memorable experience and I want to thank the Ninja organization. Thank you Coach Dane and Coach Ryan for being inspirational and competitive coaches while being great role models and friends towards us. Special thanks not only to my parents but to all the parents for organizing tournaments, driving hours to games and supporting teammates like we are one of their own children.
To my teammates, my brothers, who made my Ninja experience fun and memorable. Throughout the ups and downs, you guys have always found a way to bring laughs out of everyone. We have shared so many memories on and off the court and e will have a lifetime bond.
My favorite memory as a Ninja. as when we went to Reno and played the Escape Room and also winning the black. championship shirt from that tournament.
Being a Ninja symbolizes unity, trust, and a lifetime of friendship with each other and to the organization. This is an experience I will forever cherish and am glad to have been a part of.
To my teammates, my brothers, who made my Ninja experience fun and memorable. Throughout the ups and downs, you guys have always found a way to bring laughs out of everyone. We have shared so many memories on and off the court and e will have a lifetime bond.
My favorite memory as a Ninja. as when we went to Reno and played the Escape Room and also winning the black. championship shirt from that tournament.
Being a Ninja symbolizes unity, trust, and a lifetime of friendship with each other and to the organization. This is an experience I will forever cherish and am glad to have been a part of.
Austyn Rivero
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I would like to start by thanking my parents and sister for supporting me always. I would also like to thank my Ninja teammates and their Ninja families for welcoming me with open arms and kind hearts. Lastly, thank you to my coaches for always believing in me and for giving me an opportunity. My favorite memory as a Ninja was go-karting and mini golfing in LA with the girls team. Despite my shorter time with the team, being a Ninja has meant building lifelong relationships that go beyond just basketball.
Cevan Ozawa Burns
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In the short amount of time that I’ve played with the San Jose Ninja, I have enjoyed meaningful friendships and memories. I learned that playing basketball with my teammates is not just about putting the ball in the hoop but sharing support and laughs with each other regardless of the numbers on the scoreboard. I would like to say thank you to the Ninja organization for welcoming me with love and allowing me to play the sport I dream about. I would also like to say thank you to the parents for always cheering us on, the coaches for guiding us to improve our skills and attitudes on and off the court, and my teammates for their brotherly support. My favorite memory with the Ninja team was winning the tournament in Reno because it was my first out-of-city tournament, we fought hard, and it was super memorable. To me, Ninja is a haven that allows me to have fun, work hard, and meditate.
