X

The Wagner Red Raiders boys basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season under head coach Josh Davies, who enters his 21st year as a head coach. With strong team chemistry, this year’s squad looks poised to make a strong postseason push.

Coach Davies says the team has been working hard to improve shooting and scoring ability. Fans can expect a fastpaced style of play with heavy defensive pressure, as the Raiders aim to force turnovers and turn them into points early in the season.

Team goals are clear: win every home game, finish over .500, reach the SoDak 16, and make a run at the state tournament. The Raiders are coming off a strong season that included hosting and winning a postseason game, staying competitive in every contest, and playing in the Sioux Falls Pentagon.

Returning leaders to watch this season include Ky Arpan, Jesse Zephier, Cruise Koupal, Carlos Galindo, and Payne Petry. Freshman Colton Zephier is a newcomer expected to make an early impact. Coach Davies says team chemistry has been excellent, thanks to strong turnout at open gyms and team camps, where the Raiders also won their division at Cornbelt Team Camp.

Early practices have focused on defense and conditioning, while the biggest challenge this season will be a lack of size and defending the post. Tough matchups will come against Winner, Elk Point Jefferson, Parkston, Hanson, and Beresford.

Coach Davies reminds his players to rely on each other and play as a team through both highs and lows, and he emphasized how much community support means to the boys. “They notice the crowd,” he said. “It matters to them that people come watch them play.” To Raider fans, his message is simple: “Come out and watch these boys — I think they will be fun to watch.” With hard work already paying off in the offseason, Raider Nation has plenty to look forward to as the new basketball season tips off.

Team Roster

Senior: Ky Arpan Juniors: Jesse Zephier, Carlos Galindo, Leon Fields, Javian Pesicka, Avery Medicine Bear, AJ Kotab, Brannon Bruguier, Zaiden Ross, Gannon Shields, Damien Red Lightning, Gabe Rouse, Memphis Joseph, Louie Hart Sophomores: Cruise Koupal, Jacob Kotab Payne Petry, Michael Miller Freshman: Colton Zephier, Baier Lhotak, Kameron Chrans, Donald Necklace, Alex Reiter, Ehtan Gabel, Ryan Gullickson, Connor Gabel, Briggs Kuhlman, Russell Standing Cloud, Ronald Knudsen, Jackson Woods, Lacen Sully

ALL IN.

ALL

SEASON.

ALL

HEART.

Boys basketball team members, pictured back row, from left: Damien Red Lightning, Zaiden Ross, Donald Necklace, Gannon Shields, Ron Knudsen, Ky Arpan, Carlos Galindo, Leon Fields, Avery Medicine Bear, AJ Kotab, Payne Petry, Cruise Koupal, Jesse Zephier, Kameron Chrans, Cooper Slaba, and Isaiah Zephier; front row, from left: Gabriel Rouse, Ryan Gullikson, Jackson Woods, Kendall Standing Cloud, Alex Reiter, Ethan Blaha, Ethan Gabel, Colton Zephier, Cooper Kuhlman, Bailer Lhotak, Connor Gabel, Briggs Kuhlman, Jacob Kotab, and K’Drian Weddell. Coaches are Josh Davies, Riley Kirwan, and Tanner Wince. Photo by Jan Martin