TARPON SPRINGS – What does it take to build a program?

You need talent, grit and a lot of heart.

East Lake boys basketball head coach, Britt Taylor knows that better than anyone.

“It’s truly been incredible,” Taylor said. “People say you have those special teams and this is kind of like, my special group that I have.”

A group that’s accomplished a lot of firsts.

“This group won the first conference Pinellas County Championship last year in school history, the first district championship in school history,” Taylor said.

Another first?

A number one ranking among public schools in the state and fourth overall.

“It means a lot, this school has never been in this position before, it’s awesome to be a part of, it’s crazy,” said junior Dean Gabrelcik. “Every night the gym’s packed, it’s amazing.”

In its 30 year history, East Lake High has never been known for their basketball program.

“We’re trying to change the culture,” said senior Jordan Hillmon. “We used to be football, but we’re trying to change it to a basketball program and I think we’re doing very good at that.”

In his sixth year as head coach, Britt Taylor has helped put East Lake basketball on the map.

“He really inspired us by giving us a plan,” said junior Dionte Blanch. “I know what he wants, and he’s really helping us become a better team, helping me become a better leader, he’s been great for us all around.”

Taylor brings experience as a coach and a former Division 1 athlete.

“It’s making a relationship with a kid, and having a connection with a kid,” Taylor said. “Honestly, coaching high school, that’s one of the hardest things, especially as you get older, it’s hard to make that connection with a kid, but if you can have that relationship -- if they can really trust you, they’ll run through a wall for you.”

That trust has allowed the Eagles to become a force on the court.

“He’s the best coach I’ve ever played for,” said Gabrelcik. “Just the plays that we run, he always finds something that works, out of a timeout, I can’t describe it, nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

Taylor has a relatability that is rare in high school coaching.

“He knows what it feels like to be an athlete,” Blanch said. “He knows what we’ve been through, he knows what kids go through every day, and how we live our life, so it really helps a lot.”

He’s a coach and a friend.

“I feel like I could go to him and tell him anything,” said Hillmon. “He’s like an older brother or dad.”

And he’s helped his team create a powerful bond.

“It’s been pretty special, this is the best team I’ve ever been a part of -- basketball, any sport, it’s just been a great ride, great journey,” Blanch said.

Taylor has taught his team to make the most of every opportunity.

“Our motto is, don’t take anything for granted. Whether it’s our practices, whether it’s conditioning, we just really take advantage of every single time we have together because we know this is a special group,” Taylor said. “Sometimes when you’re going through a grind, you’re going through a tough situation, you kind of just go through the motions. But I try to remind them not to take anything for granted, because this really is a special group, a special time.”

It’s been a season of firsts, but one still remains.

“We haven’t shied away from our main goal and that’s to win a state championship,” Taylor said.

A chance to leave their mark on the program.

“Just etched in history,” Gabrelcik said. “To come back 10 years from now and see the poster on the wall, see my name, the whole team, it’d be incredible.”