Central Valley’s boys basketball team has good reason to be excited heading into the 2024-25 season.

The Hawks will face different competition this winter as they relocated from the Central California Conference to the Western Athletic Conference as part of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s league realignment plan.

“I like the move, not just for basketball,” head coach Mike Rodriguez said. “It makes us more competitive in all of our sports (at the high school).”

Central Valley returns eight players from last year’s team, including Albert Arevalo (Sr.), Emmanuel Carranza (Sr.), Andre Flores (Sr.), Jellmar Mata (Sr.), Alexander Aguilar (Jr.), David Gutierrez (Jr.), Jace McLennon (Jr.) and Jaylan Tagadaya (Jr.).

The Hawks have six newcomers in Nicholas Dominguez (Sr.), Jaycob Casias (Jr.), Michael Martinez (Jr.), Caden Mendonca (Jr.), Silas Rodriguez (Jr.) and Blake Silva (Jr.).

Central Valley lost four players to graduation: Robbie Singh, Sahib Deal, Gabriel Abaracosa and Damian Flores.

Carranza, Mata, McLennon and Tagadaya have been named team captains.

Carranza averaged 7.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game as a junior.

Mata averaged 6.3 points, 2.0 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.

McLennon averaged 5.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

Tagadaya averaged 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.

“Those guys have all played varsity for a couple of years,” coach Rodriguez said. “They’re always here. They put in extra work. They lead by example.”

Central Valley compiled a 5-23 overall record and tied for last place with Buhach Colony during its final season in the CCC standings (1-11).

The Hawks earned victories versus Buhach Colony, Le Grand, Riverbank, Modesto High and Hilmar.

Central Valley had a combined record of 9-51 over a five-year span in the CCC prior to relocating to the WAC.

“In the CCC, our losses were lopsided,” Mike Rodriguez said. “We’ll have more competitive games in the WAC.”

The new-look WAC features eight teams, including Central Valley, Ceres High, Livingston, Beyer, Grace Davis, Johansen, Lathrop and Pacheco.

Los Banos and Mountain House relocated to the WAC and Valley Oak League, respectively.

Livingston previously competed in the Trans Valley League.

Central Valley secured its last playoff berth in 2016-17.

The Hawks won their last conference title in 2014-15.

“I think all the games will be pretty competitive,” coach Rodriguez said. “The goal is to finish in the top three and make playoffs. We’re good enough. We just have to be consistent with our play.”

The Hawks will face the crosstown-rival Bulldogs twice in conference play, beginning this season.

“Each gym provides its own atmosphere,” Mike Rodriguez said. “It gets loud and crowded. It creates a fun environment. Everybody gets up for those games.”