Homecoming season begs the same question at every school: What makes us who we are? At Edison, the homecoming basketball game carries extra weight. Many students mark the event as the start of Spirit Week and the clearest expression of who Inventors are, but what exactly do basketball and the traditional homecoming game mean to our school’s culture?
On Monday, December 8th, 2025, Thomas A. Edison Varsity Basketball Team defeated Beach Channel with a final score of 86-31. Edison took home two wins that night, with the Junior Varsity team defeating the opposition 56-35. Player of the Varsity Game, Dewane Joyner (Junior), embodied Edison pride by elevating his teammates and communicating throughout plays. Not only did Joyner score 23 points by the third quarter, but he also led by example.
In an interview before the game, Joyner spoke of his faith in his teammates. “On a scale of 1-10, I would say a 9. Just to stay humble. But I’m confident in my team and our abilities so I think we’ll come out with a win,” Joyner said.
Through skillful collaboration in the JV first quarter, Malick Conde, a Freshman, scored off a rebound from Jamil Kimbrough, a Sophomore. In that same play, Nicholas Igiozee intercepted a pass by Beach Channel and scored.
One thing is true; a win for one at Edison is a win for all. Many students feel that the homecoming game would not be the same without a collective effort. All students bring something creative and unique to the table the night of the homecoming game. Sarah Islam (Junior), manager for the Boys Varsity Basketball team shared a highlight of her role in the team.
“I think the game is so special to us because this way we can show our appreciation to our school. I have been the manager for two years, and Homecoming is special due to everyone who contributes to the team in their own way. We’re taking this day to celebrate how everyone puts themselves in the team,” Islam said.
Additionally, Alex Malaha, a Junior on the Varsity Basketball team, attests to the team’s camaraderie thus far into the season. “I think we’re the strongest in our friendship dynamic, we’re just as strong off the court than on it,” Malaha said.
Malaha emphasized how the sense of family within Edison is what makes homecoming so meaningful. Perhaps the most unique Edison moments are found in how students cheer each other on. The student section maintained high praise throughout the game, and the cheerleaders channeled that energy in every chant.
A common belief about students at Thomas A. Edison is that our career and technical education skills are all that we have to offer, yet Inventor’s combat this misconception every day when they show up as themselves.
Music artist and Varsity Basketball player, Oluwatimileyin Soda, is a model student at Edison who exemplifies talent and creativity in our school. His freestyle song, “Money” played through the gym as a victory anthem after Varsity finished the game strong. During an interview, Soda expressed his deep appreciation for Edison students celebrating his song. He mentioned how unique Edison is when it comes to showcasing students’ passions. “It means a lot because usually, you know, a lot of other schools don’t do it like Edison. So this is kind of like, special. My friends make music too. I never heard of their school putting on for them so I see it as a blessing,” Soda said.
If this is how the season starts, Inventors have every reason to believe it’s only getting brighter from here. Coach Gompers, Head of the Boys Varsity Basketball team, gave insight into the team’s future aspirations. “That win pushed us to a 5-0. We’re hoping to continue on in the season. The goal is hopefully to not lose the game in the division for sure. And then hit up the Queensborough playoffs, followed by the city playoffs, because although we are a young team with only two seniors, this is a real opportunity for us to actually go all the way and win it this year,” Coach Gompers said.
