Summer is a time for vacation and hanging out by pools and at the beach.

The Berkeley High School boys basketball team hasn’t allowed time to pass, however, without making the most of its chances to try and stay ahead of its Region 7-5A competition.

“We’ve stayed really busy in June,” said Stags coach Matt Mullins, whose squad advanced to the Lower State championship game in 2024-25. “Every week in June, we’ve had at least two play days and some open gyms, and we continue to lift. I give these kids a ton of credit. They’re working hard while a lot of kids are going to the pool every day.”

The Stags finished 20-7 in 2024-25, losing to fellow Region 7-5A foe Goose Creek inside the Florence Center to cap the campaign one win short of a state shot. The Stags can return both leading scorers, senior wing Deuce Kinloch (15.5 ppg) and junior guard John Cleveland (10.1 ppg). Both earned all-region honors and Kinloch added an all-state selection. Kinloch also paced the Stags in rebounds (8.1), steals (2) and blocked shots (2.5).

“I think everybody in the region is getting better this summer,” Mullins said. “We can’t just sit back and expect to be successful. Goose Creek is always tough. Cane Bay graduated just two of their rotation guys. Wando just hired a very well-respected coach (John Reynolds). I saw Stratford playing hard and being very competitive at the high school league camp.”

In addition to Kinloch and Cleveland, Berkeley brings back a few other consistent contributors in senior forward Jordan Livingston, senior guard Trevino Reid and senior small forward Justin Suarez. Livingston, in particular, appears ready to have a breakout season on the hardwood. He’s been on the varsity since he was a freshman and building toward this moment. As a junior, Livingston averaged 5.3 points. 5.2 rebounds and was one of the best on the squad in steals and assists.

“I wouldn’t be shocked if he made a big jump,” Mullins said. “He’s had the best summer he’s had with us.”