2025-2026 Boys Basketball Preview
Boys basketball starts with some section changes. Defending 1A champion Goodhue and 1A runner-up Rushford-Peterson have each moved up a Class to AA. Red Wing moved down to AA. The section thus has 17 teams, the Wildcats, Trojans, Wingers, Caledonia, Cannon Falls, Chatfield, Cotter/Hope Lutheran, Dover-Eyota, La Crescent/Hokah, Pine Island, Lake City, PEM, Randolph, Rochester-Lourdes, St. Charles, Triton and Zumbrota-Mazeppa. Section 1A sees Lewiston-Altura move down to join Faribault B.A., Fillmore Central, Grand Meadow, Hayfield, Houston, Kenyon-Wanamingo, Kingsland, Lanesboro, LeRoy-Ostrander, Lyle/Pacelli, Mabel-Canton, Medford, Schaeffer Academy, Southland, Spring Grove, Wabasha-Kellogg, Rochester STEM, Minnesota Academy for the Deaf, and Riverway Learning Community (though the last three do not often field teams).
Rushford-Peterson moves up a class but still should have a strong year. The Trojans went 10-4 in the TRC last year. Chris Drinkall’s group advanced to the 1A finals before losing to Goodhue 84-79. R-P finished an excellent year at 24-5. R-P saw just one senior (6’1” F Caden Johnson) graduate albeit would-be senior Zach Baker (6’1” Sr. > 4.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG) will miss the year due to football injury. The Trojans return their two All-TRC picks in Cayden Lea (5’11” Jr. PG) and Carson Johnson (6’1” Jr. F/G) plus their All-TRC HM selection in Will LaFleur (5’11” Sr. G). Lea led the team averaging 17.2 PPG while chipping in 3.8 APG, 3.6 RPG, and 2.7 SPG. Nearing 1,000 career points, he hit 95 threes last year at a 43% clip. Lea enters this fourth full year on varsity. Johnson was an offensive catalyst, the team’s top rebounder and assistor (12.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.6 SPG). He shot 53% from the field. LaFleur was the team’s second leading scorer (12.7 PPG, 56 made threes, 40% clip, 2.6 SPG). From there, Cole Thompson (5’11” Jr. G > 7.8 PPG, 61 made threes), Landon Dahl (6’2” Sr. F > 5.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG), Jaxson Meldahl (5’10” Sr. G > 5.3 PPG), and Creighton Hoiness (6’1” Jr. G > 2.9 PPG) all were key components to last year’s club. R-P’s best size is Noah Anderson (6’4” Sr. F) and Brode Vickerman (6’5” Jr. F/C). It is a group with tons of experience, that is skilled, and can shoot. All 271 made threes from last year return and the team shot 38% from distance. LaFleur, Meldahl, Dahl, Anderson, and Landon Volkman (6’0” G/F) are the team’s five returning seniors (plus Baker). The Trojans have their TRC schedule including Caledonia on December 4 (away) and February 2 (home). They open by hosting GM while also entertaining SG Goodhue, Rochester STEM, and Pine Island for non-conference action, plus Baldwin-Woodville at their home holiday tourney. They also play FC in league action there. Away non-con battles are with Lanesboro, Southland, M-C and Kingsland. They have neutral site games in Byron at the Southern Minnesota Hoops Fest (with Lake City) and versus Liberty Classical Academy in Kasson.
The defending Section 1AA champs are the Caledonia Warriors. But Brad King’s group enters the year having to reload after last year’s strong season. The Warriors swept through the league to a TRC title (14-0), then whipped four foes in the section playoffs to make state. They beat Minnehaha Academy in the quarters, but fell to Albany 59-53 in the semis and Breck School 98-79 in the third-place game to take fourth. Caledonia finished at 29-4. They graduated an esteemed group headed by Mason King (5’11” G > 18.2 PPG, 4.2 APG), Garrett Konz (6’6” F > 15.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG), Reid Klug (6’6” F > 16.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG), and Ethan Stendel (6’4” F/C > 9.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG) who combined for 11 total All-TRC nods. The foursome accounted for 60 points per game last season. Classmates King, Klug and Konz all scored over 1,000 career points, a rarity. Klug is playing at St. Mary’s, King at Iowa Central Community College. Konz (baseball) and Stendel (football) are at the next level in other sports. All told, eight seniors graduated off last year’s team. Caledonia returns just one starter, Grant King (6’2” So. G > roughly 9 PPG). Zeke Gengler (5’10” Sr. G) and Coby Hammell (6’3” So. F) played roles off the bench. Maddox Walk (6’3” Sr. F), Aaron Stemper (6’0” Sr. G), and Evan Milde (6’6” F/C) join Gengler as the team’s four seniors. The new Warriors host strong R-P in TRC action right out of the gate, then play at the Trojans on February 2. They have just two home non-con games, West Salem and La Crosse Central, while going on the road to Holmen, Crestwood, Cannon Falls, and Minnehaha Academy. They have neutral site games with Hermantown (at Minnehaha Academy), Waverly-Shell Rock (Decorah Border Battle), Pequot Lakes (Target Center), Belle Plaine (Mayo High Schol), the Midwest Player Classic in La Crosse (Onalasaka-Luther), and versus Hiawatha Collegiate (St. Paul Humboldt High School).
Chatfield will look to ascend a bit this year. After going 3-24 in 2023-2024, the Gophers were 5-10 in the TRC last season and 11-16 overall. They fell at Lewiston-Altura in the 1AA first round 65-43. Jeremy McBroom had three players honored and only All-TRC HM pick Masyn Kreter (6’2” F > 9.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG) moved on. He was one of three seniors. Chatfield’s top returnee is Carson Harstad (6’2” Jr. G). In his third year of varsity action, Harstad led the team in scoring (20.5 PPG), rebounding (7.1 RPG), and steals (2.4 SPG) while hitting 73 threes and averaging 2.4 APG. He holds the Gopher single-game scoring record of 45 points. Also back is All-TRC HM pick Ross Stoehr (5’11” Jr. G/F > 12.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG) plus regulars Keyan Danninger (6’2” Sr. F/G > 4.1 PPG), Brandt McBroom (6’0” So. F > 3.3 PPG) and Kash McBroom (6’0” So. G > 3.7 PPG). Ryan Eickhoff (6’1” F/G) and Cal Sturgis (6’0” G/F) join Danninger as the team’s returning three seniors. Sophomores and juniors will contribute a lot for the Gophers, but they are also experienced. Chatfield has its TRC schedule including at R-P (December 19) and at FC (January 8) while hosting Caledonia (January 20). Home non-con games are with Lourdes, Triton, Goodhue and Albert Lea. Away non-con games are with Lanesboro (season-opener), Houston, Kingsland, Cannon Falls and Pine Island. They also play two games at the WSU Holiday Tourney. Seven of their last nine contests are on the road.
Lanesboro will look to improve this year to the plus side of five-hundred. Matt Asleson’s Burros went 8-10 in the SEC a year ago. They fell in the 1A Round of 16 to Houston 51-40 and finished at 11-15. Lanesboro had two honored players last season. Both return. The Burros boast one of the SEC’s top long players in All-SEC 2nd team pick a year ago Nick Taylor (6’7” Jr. F), the team’s leading scorer (14.5 PPG) and rebounder (8.4 RPG) plus a defensive presence (3.4 combined steals/blocks). Also back is All-SEC HM pick, point guard Mason Gilbertson (6’1” Sr. G > 5.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, team-best 3.2 APG), plus Levi Rogers (6’3” Sr. F > 10.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG), the team’s second leading scorer and rebounder. Conor Danielson (5’5” Jr. G > 5.4 PPG, 2.5 RPG) and Reid Olson (6’2” Sr. G) also played in 20-plus games while Boone Moen (6’0” Sr. G > 2.8 PPG in 16 games) and Braylen Hanson (5’11” So. G) also played a decent amount last year. All told, seven of 11 guys to play in at least 15 games a year ago are back. Gilbertson, Olson, Rogers and Moen are the team’s four returning seniors. Lanesboro has its SEC schedule including opening at home with Kingsland. They then host Chatfield while also playing R-P and L-A at home in non-conference action. Away non-con games are with Hayfield, W-K and FC. They have neutral court games with Crestwood (Decorah Border Battle) and Lester Prairie (Target Center).
Fillmore Central will begin the year with coaching continuity. After getting a new coach a year ago (Jeremy Plowman) who then stepped aside very early for health issues, Andy Todd coached the team. The 2011 FC grad returns to head the Falcons. FC went 6-8 in the TRC a season ago and 12-16 overall. They had a string of seven wins in eight games mid-season, but Southland ended the Falcons’ year in the 1A quarters by 63-36 score. FC had three players honored last year. All-TRC pick Greg Kennedy (6’6” F > 13.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG), the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, and All-TRC HM selection Josh Haugerud (6’0” G/F > 11.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 62 threes made), each graduated. They were two of five key contributors, nine total seniors, to move on. Bridon Bahl (6’0” Jr. G) is the squad’s top returner, an All-TRC pick who averaged a team second-best 13.4 PPG while adding 4.5 RPG and 2.3 SPG. From there, third-year player Clayton Schoepski (5’10” Sr. G > 4.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, team-best 3.4 APG) is the only full-time returnee. He is also the team’s only senior. FC will draw from a six-man junior group plus five sophomores. The Falcons have their TRC schedule. Home non-con games are with Goodhue, Kingsland, GM, Lanesboro and SG. The Falcons go on the road for non-con affairs with Schaeffer Academy (game one), K-W (game two), BP, Houston, Hayfield and M-C while also playing Southland at R-P’s Holiday Tourney. Said event is the Falcons’ road TRC matchup with the Trojans (December 30) and they host R-P on February 17.
Spring Grove seeks former glory following last year’s 11-14 campaign, its first below .500 in 27 years. The Lions went 9-9 for third place in the five-team SEC East and with the 9-seed, fell for the third time to Schaeffer Academy in the Section 1A Round of 16 by a 59-40 score. Graduation claimed six of the nine-player rotation, including two-time All-SEC and Lion M.V.P. Ben Udstuen (6’5” Sr. F > 16.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG), the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. Also departed is All-SEC HM Bryce Berns (9.9 PPG. 3.1 RPG), the floor general and second leading scorer and rebounder. Coach Dakotah Rostad returns only four of 14 letter winners. But the Lions have good speed and quickness in the open court, plus moderate height, and considerable muscle in the paint along with a quartet of legitimate three-point threats. Devon Williams (6’2” 225 Sr. F > 4.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG) is the lone two-year letter winner who saw action in all 25 games. Lyric Stadler (5’11” senior G > 5.6 PPG, 2.0 APG), last year’s Most Improved and Rookie of the Year should direct the attack after drawing 11 starts last season. Kolton Nerstad (6’1” Sr. G > 2.6 PPG) had 10 starts last winter. Versatile Emery Bartell (6’1” Jr. G/F) is a threat inside and outside. Expect contributions from Gabe Van Minsel (6’1” G/F). Weston Ingvalson (6’0” So. G) can shoot the ball with range. Among five seniors are newcomers Ricardo Reynolds (6’2” 225 F) and Jarrett Oakes (6’0”). In addition to 18 SEC contests, the Lions host non-con clashes with L-A and BP. There are road trips to R-P, FC, Decorah and St. Charles. There are neutral-site ventures versus North Fayette Valley (Decorah Border Battle) and either Pine Island or La Crescent-Hokah at the St. Charles Tournament.
Mabel-Canton will look to use some mojo from football to improve the basketball season. The Cougars went 6-12 in the SEC a season ago. They won a play-in playoff game but fell to R-P in the Round of 16 by 81-33 final. M-C finished at 10-18. Russell Larson’s group had one All-SEC and one All-SEC HM pick. The latter, Tyler Larson (6’0” G/F > 10.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 50 threes made), graduated. The former, 2nd team all-league pick Isaac Underbakke (6’1” Sr. G), returns to head the M-C cast. Underbakke, the football team QB, led the Cougars in scoring (13.4 PPG), rebounding (7.6 RPG), assists (5.1 APG), and steals (2.6 SPG) last season. But M-C returns three more starters in Darian Hershberger (6’1” Sr. F > 11.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG), Kale Tollefsrud (5’8” Sr. G > 7.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.9 APG), and Kale Eiken (5’9” Jr. G > 5.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.0 APG) plus reserve Cael Wangsness (6’0” Sr. F > 2.8 PPG, 2.0 RPG). Underbakke, K-Tollefsrud, Wangsness, Hershberger, and Lekota Gerleman (5’8” G) are the team’s returning five seniors. The Cougars have their SEC schedule including opening with home games versus Southland and Schaeffer. Matchups with neighbor SG are on January 9 (away) and February 12 (home). M-C plays home non-con games with Faribault B.A., Coulee Christian, R-P, and FC. They go on the road non-conference to W-K, AC/G-E, and Coulee while also playing Postville at the Decorah Border Battle.
Grand Meadow will look to increase its win total this year. The Superlarks ended a long losing streak last season. They went 4-14 in the SEC and 5-21 overall, falling to Lyle/Pacelli 69-65 in a play-in playoff game. Coach Chad Burmester returns four key players. The top guy is Carter Glynn (6’3” Sr. G/F), an All-SEC HM pick and the team’s leading returning scorer and second leading rebounder (15.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.8 APG). Also back are starters Keaton Gehling (6’1” Sr. G > team second-best 9.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG), leading rebounder Logan Grafe (6’5” Jr. F/C > 7.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG), plus key reserve Cohen Craft (6’1” Jr. G > 5.9 PPG). Of the guys to play 20-plus games last year, they were the top four scorers. Glynn, Gehling, Brady Hrykas (5’11” G), and Teegan Buck (6’1” F) are the team’s four seniors. The junior class contributes five varsity returnees with Marshall Bleifus (5’9” G/F), Blake Hubbard (5’9” G), and Jackson Soltau (5’7” G) joining Grafe and Craft. The Larks have their SEC schedule including games with L-O on January 8 (away) and February 9 (home), with Kingsland on December 5 (away) and January 23 (home). They open at R-P while also playing Hayfield and FC non-conference on the road. Home non-con games are with Medford and Alden-Conger/G-E plus they have their annual two-game holiday tourney.
LeRoy-Ostrander had a middle-of-the-road season behind a star scorer last year. The Cardinals went 10-8 in the SEC. L-O fell to Kingsland in the 1A Round of 16 by 65-56 final and finished the year at 13-14. Justin Stevens’ group was led by senior Camden Hungerholt (6’1” G), who averaged an SEC-best 25.3 PPG while adding 4.9 RPG, 2.9 APG, and 2.2 SPG. But Hungerholt moved on after making All-SEC 1st Team and setting the L-O boy’s scoring mark (1,957). All-SEC HM pick Ryder Stern (6’0” F > 6.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG) also graduated. All told, the Cardinals graduated four seniors, all starters. The Cards’ top returnee is their only returning starter, 2nd team All-SEC pick, Camden’s younger brother Reid Hungerholt (6’2” Jr. G). The youngest Hungerholt sibling is L-O’s top returning scorer (18.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG). L-O played just seven guys in 20 games last year. Talan Lewison (5’11” Sr. G) and Jayden Smith (5’10” Sr. G) are the two other returnees in that group. Tyler Farlinger (6’4” Sr. F/C), Grayson Stockdale (6’1” So. G), Mason Janssen (5’7” Jr. G), Logan Drees (6’1” So. G), and John Bradley (6’2” So. F) are other varsity returnees. L-O will not have much for numbers, as they start the year with just eight dressing for varsity (all mentioned above). The Cardinals start the year at K-W, while also playing Medford and Faribault B.A. on the road non-conference. Home non-con games are with AG/G-E, W-K and Hayfield. The Cards also have two games at the GM Tourney over the holidays. They play the Larks January 8 (home) and February 9 (away).
In Spring Valley, Kingsland will see big changes. The Knights went 10-8 in the SEC last year. They made Rochester and the 1A quarters, but fell to Rushford-Peterson 70-54. Kingsland finished a solid season at 16-11. But the Knights will start the year with a new coach. Richard Kemper takes over for Jim Hubka. And the team will look new, as seven seniors graduated included two All-SEC picks, 1,000-point scorer, team leading scorer, and 1st team selection Max Erdman (6’5” F > 19.9 PPG, 10.3 RPG), and 2nd team pick Parker Johnson (6’1” F > team second-beat 15.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG). All-SEC HM selection Gavin Hubka (6’5” F > 10.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG) also moved on. Of the Knights’ main contributors, only Kaaleem Reiland (5’9” Sr. G > roughly 9.0 PPG) returns. He is one of just two seniors with Michael Johnson (6’0” G). Sawyer Willford (6’1” Jr. F) and KD Reiland (5’10” Jr. G/F) are two more guys from varsity last year. From there, it will all be newbies, as the team has the most juniors, seven, by class. The Knights have their SEC schedule starting at Lanesboro, then hosting GM. Home non-con games are with BP, R-P, Chatfield and L-A. Road non-con games are with St. Charles, FC and Hayfield plus the Decorah Border Battle (South Winn).
It will be a be a season of big changes in Houston. The Hurricanes started building with a young group after COVID and said group graduated last year. Team double-H went a strong 14-4 in the SEC a year ago. They made Rochester and the 1A quarters, but fell to Blooming Prairie 65-45. Houston finished a good year at 19-9. But the Hurricanes eight most-used players were seniors. Included were All-SEC guys and 1,000-point career scorers, 1st team pick Morgan Rohweder (6’4” G > team-bests 20.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.6 SPG, and 87 threes made), and 2nd teamer Carter Geiwitz (6’5” G/F > 17.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.5 APG), plus All-SEC HM pick Zach Olson (5’8” G > 6.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 2.1 SPG). Houston also switched coaches from Jake Merchlewitz to Marcus Teachout. He will kind of start from scratch as the Hurricanes return nobody who played full-time last year. Axel Vix (5’11” Sr. G/F), Hayden Ronnenberg (6’1” G), Treyton Kubitz (6’3” F), Sammy Nelson (6’2” G/F), and Grayden Beckman (5’11” G) are the team’s five seniors, with the first four having seen some varsity action. Houston has solid numbers with six more juniors including varsity returnees Hector Steinfeldt (6’1” G/F) and Bennu Norton (5’9” G). The Hurricanes have home non-con games including the season-opener with Cotter/HL plus FC, Chatfield, Hayfield and Coulee Christian. Away non-con games are at W-K and L-A plus the Decorah Border Battle (Osage).
Non-Conference Boys Basketball (11/29)
Cotter/Hope Lutheran 94, Houston 36 (H: Hector Steinfeldt 12 pts. Ramblers led 61-12 at half. Hurricanes > 0-0, 0-1)
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