As fall is waning and winter is on its way, it means that temperatures are dropping, the days are growing shorter, and the boys’ basketball season is beginning. With this season beginning, gyms are going to be more crowded with fans and supporters cheering for this year’s Lewis Cass Kings roster. As the tip-off draws near, cheers get louder, players sweat, and the bench and coaches get excited and cheer for the team.
With five seniors graduating from last season, this year’s seniors have big shoes to fill. Owen Cotner-Graves stated that, “The biggest challenge for him is not having senior Brody Hillis playing on the team anymore and being down low at the basket.” Head coach Eric Branz said, “The biggest challenge in losing players to graduation is losing the experience and depth. We lost a combination of leadership, scoring, and athleticism. This is something we prepare for with player development.” Even though they have lost five seniors, this year’s seniors are ready to take the lead and pick up where last year’s seniors left off.
Last basketball season, the boys’ varsity record was 6 wins and 18 losses. Last year’s senior class included: Kolten Young, Bryce Rudd, Nolan Hahn, Jonathan Mack, and Wade Tocco. As these seniors have graduated, they have left a difficult act to follow. Cass is looking for seniors, Brennan Deeter, Trey Johnson, Julian Levine, and Owen Cotner-Graves, to step up to the challenge to win more games. As this season begins, Head coach Branz shares his team goals, which include, “Our goals would be to create a player-led team, practice at a championship level each day, and continue to grow in our relationships, ability on the court, and as young men.” The coaches and players are excited to begin practices and games.
The varsity seniors were asked about their favorite memories. Brennan Deeter and Owen Cotner-Graves shared that their freshman season held their best memories. Deeter said, “I learned a lot from just watching and still use some of the stuff I learned as a freshman today.” Cotner-Graves explained, “It was a really good team and I enjoyed watching the semi-state my freshman year, and overall it was filled with a bunch of great memories.” Julian Levine’s response included, “When I got my first dunk over the summer.” Trey Johnson responded, “My favorite memory from playing basketball was probably from freshman year, getting to play in the tournament, and it was very fun.”
Brennan Deeter was asked about the differences between varsity and junior varsity. He explained, “I was definitely shocked at how much faster the game is, but overall I thought I did a pretty good job getting myself ready and switching over. During my freshman year, I would practice with the varsity, so I was able to see a little of what practice was like, and that definitely helped me, but games are faster, and you have more pressure.” Julian Levine had this to say about his goal for his season. Levine said, “My goal is to see how far we can go into the season and possibly win a state title.”
Senior Trey Johnson has been plagued by multiple injuries over the past few years. He is injury-free so far this season and said, “I have dealt with a couple of injuries in the past couple of years, and going into this season, fully healthy feels very good, and I’m hoping to stay injury-free this season.”
In conclusion, the boy’s basketball team members are ready to get back on the court. Seniors Trey Johnson, Brennan Deeter, Julian Levine, and Owen Cotner-Graves will step up to lead and, with the help of several underclassmen, make memories that fans will not forget. Come support our Lewis Cass Kings as they compete in their first game at Carroll High School on November 25, 2025, or attend their first home game against Madison Grant on December 13, 2025. Go Kings!
