JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In just his first season as the Raines boys' basketball head coach, Torien Moore has wasted no time making an immediate impact on the program, as the Vikings have already doubled their win total from last year.
"As a coach, he brings a lot of energy. He's very young. He brings us motivation. He just motivates us and hypes us up and gets us ready," Ta'veon Dunbar, class of 2025.
Coach Moore, of course, wants to succeed in his first season, but more importantly, he wants to get his athletes college scholarships, even if he has to call every coach in the country.
"They all want to play college ball. I'm very connected. So, like I told the guys, if you work hard for me, I'll work hard for you, and that's what it's been," said Moore. "Everybody has a goal. Everybody wants to play at the next level on our team. So, when you got guys that want to play at the next level, practice is going to be different. Practice is going to be more intense."
With still plenty of the season ahead for the Vikings, Coach Moore has already fulfilled goals he had set prior to the season.
"Well, my goals were one, to win more than seven games. Then the second goal was to beat Ribault. I think that was for the community itself. Just being honest with you, my goal when I got the job was to bring energy back into Jacksonville basketball. You know, bring some excitement to the game, and I think that's what we've been doing," said Moore.
Regardless of their stellar 14-4 record, Coach Moore remains focused on the ultimate goal—the state title.
"3-0 going into the new year. I really don't count—last year is last year. This is a new year. It's better. It's more exciting. Playoff basketball. The Gateway Conference coming up. So, I'm excited. The guys are very excited. The staff is very excited," said Moore.