Four-Peat Potential

Foran Basketball Looks to Extend Tournament Streak

Andrew Bishop and Kellen Kirker | December 19, 2025

Lining Up: Guard John Johnson lining up to shoot free throws after a foul, December 27, 2024. Photo courtesy: Addi Mango.

For the past three seasons, the Foran Boys Basketball team has won the annual Platt Tech Holiday Tournament. Every winter, four teams in Connecticut are invited to compete in the annual holiday tournament.

This year, the team is hoping to win it again. Senior captain and varsity guard Joe Meade comments, “My teammates and I have been preparing for the tournament by participating in the fall league and playing together whenever we can. Our mindset is to try it all again for the fourth time and continue our streak.”

With this in mind, the team is working harder than ever to secure its fourth consecutive win.

Head Coach Ian Kirkpatrick remarks, “Preparation is key. We try to make our practices more demanding than the games so that, when it’s time to compete, the pressure feels lighter. Winning never comes easy. We set specific goals for each game to keep the focus on team accountability, which I think helps alleviate some of that pressure.”

Foran has held the title of tournament champion for three years running, and going into this year’s match, is looking to hold onto that title.

Senior Keith Vail says, “We gotta come in every day and give it 110%, and we have to be able to trust one another on and off the court.”

After going through the tournament for three years, the mindset is better than ever, and the team is willing to give it their all and is putting in even more effort.

Looking back on the previous years, Meade is excited to play in his last tournament and is using it as motivation to win it all again.

Locked In: Guard Joseph Meade is ready to give it all on the court to win, December 28, 2024. Photo courtesy: Addi Mango.

This year’s team is driven to prove itself. “A lot of teammates are playing their first varsity minutes this year, but the returning players are stepping up and helping the younger teammates feel more prepared for the season. Most of the players are getting along and playing well together, as a lot of our team camaraderie comes from team conditioning and team meetings,” states Meade.

“I love the holiday season and the time spent with the team. We have a great group of student-athletes, and I’m excited to be back in the gym with them.” Coach Kirkpatrick claims.

This year, the team will play Sheehan in the first round; a victory will advance them to play either Platt Tech or Amity.

The Holiday Tournament takes place December 29 and 30, 2025, at Platt Technical School.

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About the Contributors

Andrew Bishop, Online Editor

Hi, my name is Andrew Bishop, and I am a senior at Foran High School. This is my second year taking journalism, and I am an online editor. At Foran, I’m the vice president of the senior class, a Natural Helper officer, an officer of the Rho Kappa Honor Society, and a member of both the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. I am also involved in Key Club and play on the golf team. Outside of school, I enjoy playing golf and spending time with family and friends.

Kellen Kirker, Online Editor

Hello, I am Kellen Kirker. I’m 17 and a senior at Foran High School. This is my second year in Journalism, and I am one of the online editors. I spend most of my time playing basketball and working out. I also run Track and Field for Foran High School.