The Wagner boys’ basketball team has their 2023-2024 season opener on Friday, December 8th away against Winner with the “C” team game starting at 4:00 p.m.

This year’s team is being coached by Head Coach, Josh Davies, and assisted by Riley Kirwan. Coach Davies has been coaching basketball for 19 years.

Seniors for the Red Raiders are Carter Cournoyer, Joey Cournoyer and Ty Aungie. Juniors on the team include Jeremy Cheyenne, Brady Cournoyer, Gabe Houseman, Hunter Lhotak, Parker Petry, Preston McFayden and Frank Soukup. This season’s sophomores are Ky Arpan and Kobe Drapeau. Up and coming freshmen are Dominic Doom, Leon Fields, Carlos Galindo, Tyson Hare, AJ Kotab, Winston Little Moon, Avery Medicine Bear, Lavian Pesicka and Jesse Zephier.

In the offseason the team has been preparing for the upcoming season by having open gyms this past summer and fall. Both the varsity and junior varsity teams attended the Cornbelt team camp in Mitchell this past June.

Last season the Red Raiders won eight games and lost two games in overtime to two very talented opposing teams. As the season progressed, the team played better together and improved. The biggest strength of last year’s team was how well the group of young men played together and their willingness to work hard.

Players to watch for this season that will add to the overall success of the team and or provide key leadership positions are Carter Cournoyer, Joey Cournoyer, Preston McFayden, Hunter Lhotak, Parker Petry, Brady Cournoyer, Jesse Zephier, Javian Pesicka and Carlos Galindo.

Coach Davies sees their toughest and most intense games being against Winner, O’Neil, Chamberlain, Tripp-Delmont-Armour, Mt. Vernon/Plankinton and Gregory.

As the head coach, Davies is most looking forward to watching his team learn and play together. He is also looking forward to watching individuals improve their skills through hard work. Coach Davies’ coaching philosophy is consistency, unselfishness and hard work are all needed to be successful as a team. “We have a great bunch of kids who have put a lot of time in to the game. They have been enjoyable to coach and I look forward to seeing them grow as a team this year”, says Davies.

Best of luck on your upcoming season Red Raiders!