By Will Speros

On the eve of their first playoff game, the boys on Evander Childs’ varsity basketball team hustled up and down the practice court as head coach David Fonfa pleaded for composure. They appeared focused and confident, with leaders like Michael Bernard and Ezekiel Sierra handling the ball effortlessly, never once breaking stride.

Evander Childs, of the Bronx A East League, came within two games of playing for the city championship last year and, after another stellar season that included an impressive 18-3 record and a thrilling buzzer-beater against Taft, the Tigers want to show, once again, they’re one of the top teams in New York City.

Junior Elijah Bunche said it’s the Tigers chemistry that makes them such a tough match-up.

“There’s definitely a bond and synergy, but they fight like brothers,” Fonfa said.

This is Fonfa’s fifth year coaching the team at Evander, which is made up of students from the handful of separate small schools on the East Gun Hill Road campus. He previously spent 15 years coaching track and cross country at the school.

Fonfa simply said he was “happy to have the opportunity to compete against good teams” in the playoffs.

It’s clear he’s proud of his team’s performance and the attention they’ve received on campus.  Fonfa said the team received the sweat suits from Bronx Lab and reversible jerseys from Contemporary Arts, two schools on campus.

Drawn from the various schools within Evander, each player brings their own talents and unique personality into the mix.

Seniors Bernard and twins Kadeem and Shakeem Douglas are the team’s main stars. Bernard is the self-anointed leader, putting himself out there as a representative of the team. He’s the team’s primary ball handler and a generous passer.

The twins have put up great numbers this season, scoring roughly 35 points combined each game.

Sierra, a junior, is easy to spot, thanks to his pink high tops and tremendous hustle. He’s also displayed consistent free throw shooting, something Fonfa has put a major emphasis on this season.

The boys did not hesitate to label Jonathon Cummings, who is always lightening the mood at practices, as the team’s biggest goofball. Despite his tendency to mess around from time to time, his free throw shooting and dunking skills are no joke.

Despite such impressive individual achievements throughout the season, the boys insist they are more of a family unit, thanks largely to Fonfa’s guidance. Aside from his emphasis on defense and free throws, he also emphasizes the importance of hard work and “showing up,” two things the boys agree have stuck with them.

Fonfa has a knack for whipping the boys into shape, constantly prodding them to hustle through drills.  At one point during a recent practice, he mades an example of Cummings for being a little too showy with his moves.  “Be clever, not fancy,” Fonfa reminded his players.

The Tigers lost their Bronx Boro playoff game against Gompers by eight points last week, but they’ll have a shot at redemption in citywide tournament that starts next.  The seeds for the Public School Athletic League playoffs will be announced Thursday and the Tigers will be included.