Head boys basketball coach Hosea Patton has led all three of his Aragon teams to qualify for the Central Coast Section playoffs. However, Patton’s success on the court isn’t limited to coaching: During his time at Aragon, Patton was part of two of the most successful and decorated basketball teams in Aragon’s history.
Patton played on the varsity basketball team during the 1988-89 and 1989-1990 seasons. His 1988-89 team was a CCS Finalist and NorCal Final Four team.
Patton’s 1989-90 team had even more success. They were Peninsula Athletic League and CCS champions, as well as a repeat NorCal Final Four team. They won the CCS championship 87-73 against Monterey High School. The team averaged 94 points per game and scored over 100 points five times.
“It was awesome being on that team,” Patton said. “We all wanted the same thing, so we fought and competed to push each other to be at our best at all times.”
Patton thoroughly enjoyed his experience at Aragon both as a student and an athlete.
“I enjoyed it more than my college experience,” Patton said. “I felt way more connected and involved as a student-athlete.”
Patton is praised by many, including his former coach and current assistant coach, Lou Murgo.
“He was a member of one of the finest teams I’ve seen at Aragon,” Murgo said. “I had a bunch of boys there that were all good basketball players. Hosea was one of them, and he did a good job.”
Patton is also highly regarded by his friends and former teammates.
“Hosea has always been a hardworking, likable, great guy to be around both on and off the court,” said Kevin Vasquez, Patton’s former teammate. “Whatever it is, Hosea figures out a way to make everyone feel like they’re a million dollars.”
After graduating from Aragon, Patton went to a couple of different schools, trying to find the best fit.
“I attended San Diego State for a year and a half and lost focus on my academics being away from home. I withdrew and came home to [College of San Mateo] and then played basketball at Cañada College for a year,” Patton said. “After receiving my [Associate] of Arts Degree, I transferred to UC Davis where I graduated and received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology.”
Patton soon came back to Aragon, first as a Campus Safety Specialist, and eventually as the head coach of the boys varsity basketball team.
“After discovering my calling in life of working with youth and getting the Campus Safety Specialist position here at Aragon, giving back to the game I love and to the school that gave me an opportunity to succeed was a no-brainer,” Patton said.
Patton started off his coaching career at Aragon coaching junior varsity but quickly transitioned to varsity.
“It was seamless as far as the coaching aspect since most or all of my players were with me on JV,” said Patton.
Patton has had success as a varsity coach. In his three years as a varsity coach, every team has qualified for CCS, with the 2017-18 team going to the CCS finals after finishing 8-4 in the PAL.
“I’m glad that he decided to take the job as coach [and] allowed me to sit on the bench with him,” Murgo said. “He takes suggestions. He’s doing a good job … Overall, it’s been a great thing.”
“Whatever it is, Hosea figures out a way to make everyone feel like they’re a million dollars”
As the current head coach, Patton has seen a lot of players working hard to develop their game and has seen a lot of success in his teams. He enjoys his job and the chance to give back to the school he loves.
“My favorite memory as a coach was watching a kid that barely made the freshman team as a ninth grader to starting and being the leader of the varsity team that went on to the CCS Division II Finals his senior year,” Patton said. “That kind of dedication, hard work and commitment from an individual … is just second to none.”
Murgo also enjoys reminiscing with Patton.
“Every once in a while we talk about that team, and we remember a certain game that he won on a last second shot ,and we laugh about it,” Murgo said. “You know, that type of thing. We have good memories, that’s for sure.”
Although playing and coaching basketball is a big part of his life, Patton keeps busy off the court.
“Hanging with family and friends is what I love to do,” Patton said. “And maybe go buy a pair of sneakers every now and then.”
Patton was an important part of Aragon’s history when he played for his successful teams, but he’s also making history as a coach; his dedication to both his sport and his school will help him continue his Aragon basketball legacy.
