The Yonkers High School Bulldogs Boys Varsity Basketball team opened their home slate on December 4, 2025, with a challenging matchup against Saunders, ultimately falling 67–51. While the final score favored the visitors, the night marked the beginning of a new era for the Bulldogs under first-year head coach Julius Henry—a season defined by transition, growth, and belief in what lies ahead.
Coach Henry enters the boys’ program after a stint with the Yonkers Varsity Girls team in 2024, bringing with him energy, structure, and a clear vision. Tasked with rebuilding nearly from the ground up, Henry inherited a roster that lost the bulk of last year’s contributors to graduation. With most of the previous lineup composed of seniors, this season’s Bulldogs are very much a work in progress. Still, Henry remains confident that the foundation is in place to compete in a demanding league.
A major source of optimism comes from the arrival of the “Big Three”—junior triplets Luke, Liam, and Logan Runge. Each standing over six feet tall, the Runge brothers bring size, versatility, and upside that immediately changes the dynamic of the Bulldogs’ lineup. Their ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor gives Yonkers a youthful core to build around, one that Coach Henry believes can develop quickly as the season progresses.
Experience, however, has not been overlooked. The return of seniors Shael Lopez, Alex Gomez, and Justin Rosado provides much-needed leadership and stability to an otherwise thin roster. Their familiarity with the program, coupled with their on-court presence, has been instrumental in setting the tone during practices and games. As the younger players adjust to varsity-level competition, these veterans are expected to shoulder responsibility and guide the team through the inevitable ups and downs of a rebuilding season.
The challenge does not get any easier. The Bulldogs now turn their attention to a daunting road ahead as they prepare to face Yonkers powerhouse Roosevelt, led by 6-foot-9, 360-pound center Lawrence Iyalekhue—a Division I football commit whose size and athleticism make him one of the most imposing athletes in the region. It is a matchup that will test Yonkers physically and mentally from the opening tip.
Despite the obstacles, Coach Henry remains unwavering in his belief. He sees a team that is learning, competing, and steadily improving. While the results may not yet reflect their potential, the Bulldogs are embracing the process and buying into the culture being established.
The home opener may not have ended in victory, but for Yonkers High School Boys Varsity Basketball, the season is just beginning—and under Coach Julius Henry, the Bulldogs are determined to prove they are closer to contention than many might expect.
