New Coach Leads Carson Basketball to Quarterfinals

The Carson High basketball team is doing well this season. Under new coach Corey Kitani, they have reached the City Section DII quarterfinals. This is a great step for the team.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Basketball Season Sees Unexpected Success Under New Leadership

The Carson High basketball team, under the guidance of first-year head coach Corey Kitani, has advanced to the City Section Division II quarterfinals. This achievement marks a significant step for a program that has not always been at full strength this season. Kitani, who spent nine years learning under his uncle, renowned coach Harvey Kitani, took the helm at Carson this season, aiming to build a strong team within the City Section.

"If he keeps the Carson kids at home, Carson can rise to be a power in the City.”

This statement from an observer highlights the potential seen in Carson's program with Kitani's leadership. Corey Kitani also serves as a physical education teacher and has noted that the team only reached its full roster potential in late January of this year.

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Prep talk: First-year coach Corey Kitani has Carson in City Section DII quarterfinals - 1

Coaching Lineage and Program Development

Corey Kitani's coaching background is deeply rooted in a family tradition of basketball success. His uncle, Harvey Kitani, a coach with over three decades at Fairfax High and now at Rolling Hills Prep, recently achieved a remarkable milestone: his 1,000th career coaching victory. Harvey Kitani’s extensive experience, including eight section titles and three CIF state crowns, provides a strong precedent.

  • Corey Kitani worked under his uncle for nine years, absorbing coaching strategies and team-building principles.

  • Harvey Kitani recently celebrated his 1,000th win, a testament to his sustained success.

  • Corey Kitani’s move to Carson signifies a new chapter, aiming to replicate or build upon established coaching successes.

Recent Performance and Team Dynamics

The current basketball season for Carson has been marked by a journey to the City Section DII quarterfinals. The team's progress, despite challenges, suggests resilience and effective coaching.

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Prep talk: First-year coach Corey Kitani has Carson in City Section DII quarterfinals - 2

  • Carson's Basketball Team: Achieved a spot in the City Section DII quarterfinals.

  • Team Strength: Coach Kitani indicated the team was not at full strength until late January, suggesting recent improvements.

  • Contextual Success: The team's advancement is notable given the timing of reaching full roster capacity.

Carson High's Broader Athletic Landscape

While the basketball team makes strides, Carson High has also seen notable success in other sports, indicating a broader athletic culture at the school. In November 2025, the Carson High football team secured a victory in the City Section Open Division championship, demonstrating the school's competitive spirit across different athletic programs.

  • Football Championship: Carson routed Crenshaw to win the City Section Open Division football title.

  • Coaching Situation (Football): The football team was led by interim head coach Terrence Whitehead during the absence of longtime coach Robert Garrett, who is on administrative leave. Garrett is noted as the winningest football coach in section history.

  • Team Achievements: The football team's win highlights Carson High's capacity for championship-level performance.

Harvey Kitani's Coaching Milestones and Records

The coaching achievements of Harvey Kitani continue to be a significant point of reference. His recent 1,000th win was celebrated, marking him as one of the most accomplished coaches in the region.

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Prep talk: First-year coach Corey Kitani has Carson in City Section DII quarterfinals - 3

  • 1,000th Victory: Harvey Kitani achieved his 1,000th career win on January 22, 2026, with Rolling Hills Prep defeating Bishop Gorman 60-45.

  • Record Nuances: Records indicate adjustments for forfeit wins and losses, with one forfeit win not included in the 993 count and three forfeit losses/one default win not included in a different calculation.

  • Championships: Harvey Kitani has secured four section titles at Rolling Hills Prep and eight section titles overall, along with three CIF state championships.

  • Comparison: He is mentioned in relation to Ed Azzam, who holds the City Section record for most coaching victories.

Community and Coaching Unity

Beyond individual achievements, a sense of unity among coaches in the City Section has been noted. In July 2025, coaches gathered to discuss shared challenges, emphasizing collaboration over competition.

  • Shared Challenges: City Section football coaches met to discuss common issues such as academic eligibility, roster numbers, and assistant coach recruitment.

  • Collaborative Spirit: The meeting was characterized by mutual support and discussions aimed at improving the athletic landscape for all involved.

  • Focus: The emphasis was on addressing systemic issues rather than immediate game outcomes.

Summary of Findings and Future Outlook

The current basketball season sees Corey Kitani successfully leading the Carson High team to the City Section DII quarterfinals, a notable accomplishment for a first-year coach. This success is viewed within the broader context of a strong athletic tradition at Carson High and the esteemed coaching legacy of his uncle, Harvey Kitani. The team's ability to achieve this level of performance despite a late-season full roster suggests a strong foundation being built. The unity observed among coaches in the City Section further points to a supportive environment for athletic development.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the new coach for Carson High basketball?
The new coach is Corey Kitani. He is in his first year coaching the team.
Q: How far has the team gone in the competition?
The team has reached the City Section Division II quarterfinals. This means they are one of the last eight teams playing.
Q: Has the team always been strong this year?
No, the team was not at its full strength until late in the season. Their success is even more impressive because of this.