While it would be nice to say the Lake Worth Bullfrogs varsity boys basketball team went from a disastrous season in 2023-24 to a miracle campaign in 2024-25, that simply didn’t happen.
What did happen, however, under new head coach Derrick Douglas, is a burst of hope and positivity not seen in the program in some time.
The Bullfrogs finished 10-20 overall and were once again winless in District 7-4A. However, that is a marked improvement from the previous season when they were 2-26.
“The major difference between last season and this season is based solely on antidotal information, whereas comments are made about we didn’t do this and or we should have done this last year,” Douglas said. “The offseason was good as we established some norms, advised the seniors to leave the jersey better than you found it and emphasized how do they want to be remembered.”
The Bullfrogs’ roster this season featured seniors Favian Lopez, Ayden Brooks, Anthony Green, Cameron Elems, Parrion Hall, Ivan Sanchez and Bryce Dooly. Underclassmen are freshman Braylen Fridia, sophomores Caleb Jackson and Eddie Paige, and juniors De’Jay Black and Kenneth Williams.
“The seniors’ mindset towards the underclassmen has been mainly positive. I never perceived any jealousy or animosity toward any of the underclassmen,” Douglas said.
“They have embraced the freshman and allowed him to learn from his mistakes and lead them. They give him rides to practice, from practice, and allowed him to lead them.”
Speaking of that freshman, Fridia led the team in scoring with 18.1 points per game, free throw percentage at 74%, and in assists with 1.9.
“Braylen Fridia has been a joy to coach this year. I lose sight of the fact he was playing middle school basketball last year and some of the things he is able to do on the floor I wish I could take credit for have amazed me,” Douglas said. “He has received a few accolades like all-tournament team, most outstanding player.”I can’t wait to see his growth from this season to next when he understands what I need from him on both ends for us to be successful. The better he understands the nuances of the game the better off Lake Worth will be with that growth.”
It actually has not been that long since the Bullfrogs had a winning season, finishing 21-16 just two years ago. However, Douglas said none of the players on that team are still around.
The Bullfrogs began the season by winning 10 of their first 12 games, including scored 102 points in one win. Hopes were high to challenge for a playoff berth.
Then came an 18-game losing streak to end the season. However, there were numerous opportunities for several more victories.
In four single-digit losses they led going into the fourth quarter, and they were tied in another. If those five games had gone the other way it would have been a 15-15 season.
