The 2024-2025 basketball season has officially arrived for the Lancers! With months of hard work in the gym and practices underway, and tournaments just around the corner, the energy is building both on and off the court. The boys’ team features key players from last season alongside promising new talent. They’re focused on improving their performance and are aiming for a strong start at the beginning of the season. The girls’ team is equally determined, showcasing a roster of skilled athletes ready to compete. As both teams prepare to showcase their talent and determination, energy continues to build on and off the court.
Under the guidance of Coach Wandrey, the Lancer boys’ basketball team is entering the season with high hopes and plenty of excitement. Freshman Sam Coraggio shared that he is looking forward to “having fun with our team” The boys have been working hard in practice, focusing on building team chemistry and sharpening their skills. With a blend of experienced players and new faces, the team is aiming for a strong start to their schedule. For his first year on the team, Brady Craddock (‘26) looks forward to making new memories with his teammates. Evan Prusko (‘26) is excited to prepare for their upcoming game at teammate Ojas Sharma’s highly anticipated carbo cram—a pre-game ritual that brings the players together and powers their competitive drive.
The seniors are soaking in every last minute with their teammates. Shooting Guard Ryan Zhang says he will miss “the team dinners, team bonding during bowling, and playing tag in the locker room”. Meanwhile, Anthony Rise advises: “Do not take any time for granted, it goes fast.”. Anthony, who will continue his basketball career at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, reflects on an unforgettable high school career alongside teammates like Ryan Huebner, whose favorite memory is “beating Brookfield East on their home court” in his first year on the team. Jack Peterson takes a different approach to getting ready for a game: “Ojas slaps me in the face” he answered. Brendan Lange’s favorite memory is from his early basketball career when he “hit a buzzer-beater against DeForest in 7th grade”, a memory that continues to inspire his love for playing basketball.
Pre-game rituals are just as important as time on the court. Henry Gruetzmacher prepares for games by eating sandwiches before stretching and drinking water. When asked what his favorite pregame meal is, Dean Schaefer (‘26) answered “Whatever my mom makes me”. These pre-game routines seem to work for the team, as we can witness their chemistry on the court. Their teamwork and dedication led them to win their first game of the season against New Berlin Eisenhower, 64-61. Reflecting on the team’s first game of the season, Derek Treis (‘26) observed, “The team showed good potential,” highlighting the promise and determination that will steer them through the remainder of the season.
As they work towards victory, the Lancers draw inspiration from some of the game’s greatest players. The boys find Lamelo Ball, Khris Middleton, Kevin Durant, and Tracey McGrady to be the most inspiring. Fueled by hard work, Subway subs, and pasta, the boys are ready to give it their all this season.
The Lancer girls’ basketball team is ready to make their mark this season under the guidance of a new coach—Coach Hervert. The team is welcomed with four new faces: Brooke Coombs, Annie Robinson, Anna Rusch, and sophomore Charlotte Gauntt. Annie Robinson is excited about “carbo crams, bus rides, sleeping on Anna on the bus”, while Charlotte Gauntt (‘27) shared that she is looking forward to “team bonding, carbo crams, and working hard together to play well on game days.” this year. With an emphasis on teamwork and improvement, the girls are setting their sights on a successful and competitive season.
For many players, being part of the Lancer basketball family is about more than just the game. Emma Luedke (‘25) reflects on her 4 years of playing basketball and cherishes memories like “having the 2 sets of sisters on the team my junior year, (Piurkowski’s and Luedke’s) because we all enjoyed our company together”. Senior Maddy Jensen, who recently committed to playing basketball for the Air Force Academy after graduation, tells freshmen: “Enjoy every moment because it goes by really fast”. Another senior, Grace Piurkowski’s favorite moment in her basketball journey comes from the earlier days of her career, “hitting the two winning free throws in overtime in the championship game of a tournament in middle school,” an experience that highlights her clutch genes.
Game day routines also play a key role in preparing the team for success. Junior, Dylan Romero (‘26), shared that her favorite pregame meal is “sandwiches from Potbelly, Jimmy John’s, homemade pasta with chicken.” For Anna Rush, the key to getting ready is in the team’s dynamic: she gears up by “surrounding herself with the team and letting their energy get me ready.”
Inspired by Caitlin Clark, Steph Curry, Bobby Portis, and BC alum CJ Romero, the team channels these role models’ drive, skill, and leadership as they work toward achieving their goals this season. With their dedication and passion, the Lancer girls are ready to bring their best to the court this season.
Come out and support the Lancers as they aim for a season full of success, new memories, and exciting moments!
