2024-25 High School Basketball Preview – Boys Basketball

The 2024-25 High School Basketball season is underway, and WSJM is once again home for the best games in St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, and Lakeshore each week.

We look at the upcoming season for the Bears, Tigers and Lancers, as well as looking at Our Lady of the Lake and Michigan Lutheran’s teams. We also preview the twin cities area girls teams.

Our Girls Preview will be on Monday

2024-25 Boys Preview

2023-24 Record: 24-2 (7-1 Lakeland)

Head Coach: Corey Sterling (15th season)

2024-25 Schedule:
12/7 at Dowagiac – 7:00 p.m.
12/11 vs. Grand Rapids Union – 7:00 p.m.
12/14 vs. Chicago Morgan Park (IL) – 5:30 p.m. – at Tri-State Holiday Classic at SMC
12/16 vs. St. Joseph – 7:00 p.m.
12/19 vs. Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
12/21 vs. South Bend Washington – 8:00 p.m. – at Michiana Hoops Shootout at Portage Central
12/26 vs. Detroit Douglas – 7:00 p.m. – Earl McKee Holiday Tournament at Benton Harbor
12/27 vs. Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills – 7:00 p.m. – Earl McKee Holiday Tournament at Benton Harbor
1/4/25 vs. Vicksburg – 2:00 p.m. – Schoolcraft Champions Classic
1/7 at South Haven – 7:00 p.m.
1/9 at Berrien Springs – 7:00 p.m.
1/17 at Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
1/23 vs. Dowagiac – 7:00 p.m.
1/25 vs. Wyoming Godwin Heights – 1:00 p.m. – 2K25 Showcase at Aquinas College
1/28 at Paw Paw – 7:00 p.m.
1/30 vs. Lakeshore – 7:00 p.m.
2/4 at Niles – 7:00 p.m.
2/7 at Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
2/11 vs. Kalamazoo Central – 7:00 p.m.
2/14 vs. Berrien Springs – 7:00 p.m.
2/18 vs. Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
2/19 at Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
Division 2 Districts at Dowagiac

Corey Sterling’s 15th season for the Tigers, starts like most every season, with high expectations for his Benton Harbor squad.

Along with high expectations not only for his team, the Lakeland conference itself will prove to be a deep and talent rich league, including the defending division 3 state champions in Brandywine.

The Tigers only two losses from last season were to teams that played in the state finals. Along with Brandywine, the Tigers only other defeat was to Division 2 runner up Grand Rapids Christian in the regional finals.

Sterling has 6 players returning from last season’s 24-2 team, but notably sophomore DeShawn Hobbs returns after emerging early last season as a freshman on the Tigers varsity. In addition, four returning seniors will help power the Tigers high speed offense and pressure defense. They are Jkwon Lewis, Avion Wilson, Desean Mathison and Careem Williams. One on the Tigers “super sophomores” LaTrell Johnson is a junior this season at another guard and Hobbs playing both the guard and forward spots.

Seven new players will make up the rest of the Tigers roster. Seniors, Torey Wilson, Damion Wilson, and William Harden. The junior class has Myron Rice, Massiah Lacy and Damonee McBride. One sophomore joining the ranks of the Tigers varsity team is DaCorey McKinney.

Sterling says the Tigers toughness and pride is a team strength, as well as their play in transition and on the open court.

The key games on the Tigers schedule include all of the Lakeland Conference games, especially with the state champion Brandywine again poised for a conference and state run, along with improved squads in Berrien Springs and Buchanan. The Tigers also face key games with and SMAC rival Kalamazoo Central and a non-conference game with South Bend Washington.

Sterling laid the Tigers goals for this season, simply to win the annual Benton Harbor Holiday Tournament, win the Lakeland, win their District, Regional tournaments, and make it to the Breslin Center where anything can happen.

The Division 2 district this season will take place at Dowagiac.

2023-24 Record: 8-14 (2-6 SMAC West)

Head Coach: Paul Brohman (1st season)

2024-25 Schedule:
11/26 vs. Battle Creek Harper Creek – 7:00 p.m.
12/3 vs. Berrien Springs – 7:00 p.m.
12/6 at Lakeshore – 7:00 p.m.
12/10 vs. Gull Lake – 7:00 p.m.
12/13 vs. Mattawan – 7:00 p.m.
12/16 at Benton Harbor – 7:00 p.m.
12/19 at Portage Central – 7:00 p.m.
1/3/25 vs. Coloma – 7:00 p.m.
1/7 at Grand Haven – 7:00 p.m.
1/9 vs. Portage Northern – 7:00 p.m.
1/14 at Battle Creek Central – 7:00 p.m.
1/17 vs. Kalamazoo Central – 7:00 p.m.
1/21 vs. Battle Creek Lakeview – 7:00 p.m.
1/23 vs. Lakeshore – 7:00 p.m.
1/28 vs. Niles – 7:00 p.m.
1/31 vs. Portage Central – 7:00 p.m. – Hall of Fame Night
2/4 at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix – 7:00 p.m.
2/7 at Mattawan – 7:00 p.m.
2/10 at Edwardsburg – 7:15 p.m.
2/14 at Portage Northern – 7:00 p.m.
2/20 vs. Dowagiac – 7:00 p.m.
2/21 at Kalamazoo Central – 7:00 p.m.
Division 1 Districts at Kalamazoo Central

Fans of St. Joseph basketball should be familiar with the name Paul Brohman, Lakeshore fans should as well. The Bears new coach this season previously served as the head of the St. Joe girls team and was a player for Lakeshore. Now Brohman is back on the St. Joe sideline as the Bears head coach.

With Brohman now in charge, the Bears look to turn up the pace on offense. Brohman says, “We will be looking to push the tempo on Offense as much as possible. We have athletes up and down the roster who can get out and run and put a lot of pressure on the opposing team’s defense.”

This will be quite the change from the past offense run by former coach Gregg Schaffer, who always ran a patient offense, looking for the pass and then the open shot.

The Bears defense will also look to pick up the pace from the Bears teams of the past. “We will play a very physical brand of Defense, mixing in matchup zone looks with our aggressive man to man base set,” according to Brohman.

The Bears lost two of their best shooters from last year, Kai Wyngarden from beyond the arc, and Jakob Diamond in the paint. St. Joe does have some height down low, St. Joe has 7 players that are 6’3 and above and three players at 6’6. One of which is returning forward Andrew Nate (6’6, Sr), other returning players for the Bears are Cole Caplea (6’2, Sr, G), Bobby DeLong (6’3, Sr, F), Bryce Vujtech (6’2, Sr. G), and Jon Pender (5’11, Sr, G).

Additions to the varsity this season are Seniors, Ty Dellay (6’3 F) and Nate Katowich (6’6 F). Juniors Chase Johnson (6’0 G/F), Jacob Dibkey (6’0 G), David DeVore (6’4 F) and Xavier Walton (6’6 C). The Bears will have three sophomores on the roster, Jaden Akinwale (6’0 F/G), Wes Hudson (5’9, G), and Eli Caid (6’3 G)

Brohman says, “This team is a close-knit group of guys who are gelling together very quickly. We have number of guys who can really shoot the ball from range, while also mixing in some very effective slashing offensive players.

We will lean on our Senior Leadership to weather the early storms of the season as some of our younger players get their Varsity feet under them!

Our length on the perimeter will be a great asset both on offense and defense this season.”

Brohman has a long list of game he notes are key games, including the games against arch rival Lakeshore, as well as both games against Portage Central and Kalamazoo Central and the Bears game at Benton Harbor, which he says is fun for the community and because of the dedication of the Tigers new floor.

Brohman laid out the Bears goals this season, “Our main objective is to stay true to the process, we will improve every day and be the best version of ourselves heading in District Play!

2023-24 Record: 13-10 (5-3 SMAC West)

Head Coach: Sean Schroeder

2024-25 Schedule:
12/3 at Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
12/6 vs. St. Joseph – 7:00 p.m.
12/10 vs. Battle Creek Lakeview – 7:00 p.m.
12/12 vs. Portage Northern – 7:00 p.m.
12/18 at Vicksburg – 7:15 p.m.
12/19 at Mattawan – 7:00 p.m.
1/3/25 vs. Niles – 7:15 p.m.
1/7 vs. Otsego – 7:00 p.m.
1/9 vs. Battle Creek Central – 7:00 p.m.
1/14 at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix – 7:00 p.m.
1/17 at Portage Central – 7:00 p.m.
1/21 vs. Kalamazoo Central – 7:00 p.m.
1/23 at St. Joseph – 7:00 p.m.
1/28 vs. Dowagiac – 7:00 p.m.
1/30 at Benton Harbor – 7:00 p.m.
1/31 vs. Mattawan – 7:00 p.m.
2/4 at Gull Lake – 7:00 p.m.
2/6 at Portage Northern – 7:00 p.m.
2/7 at Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
2/14 at Battle Creek Central – 7:00 p.m.
2/18 vs. Edwardsburg – 7:00 p.m.
2/21 vs. Portage Central – 7:00 p.m.
Division 1 Districts at Kalamazoo Central

Lakeshore going 13-10 in 2023-24 may not sound like a huge accomplishment, especially in Lancer standards, but the 13 wins was six more wins and five less losses than the year before. Lakeshore also finished in 2nd in the SMAC west at 5-3 after finishing dead last the year before at 1-7.

Will Lakeshore’s comeback continue or regress this season? Coach Sean Schroeder, who has been at Lakeshore for 23 years, will have to count on some shooting accuracy and solid defense to answer that question.

Lakeshore has 7 players back from last season, Owen Timmons 5’10 point guard, Brady Harris 5’11 guard,
Alex Toothman 6’4 Post, Luke Heyn 6’4 Post, Greg Wellin 6’0 Guard, and Lane Fry 6’0 Guard. Schroeder says rebounding will be key as the Lancers don’t have the height they are used to having on the floor.

Schroeder says one of the Lancers strength’s this season is their shooting. But will also be a good defensive team.

New to the Lancers varsity this season are Grant Chase 6’4 Forward, Brayden Holok 6’4 Forward, Ethan Thomas 5’9 Guard, Garrett Thomas 5’10 Guard, Eli Neidlinger 6’0 Guard, Ben Neidlinger 5’10 Guard, and Kieran Smith 6’0 Guard.

Schroder does note that the 2025 Lancers do not have a lot of varsity experience, but they have had a lot of success at the lower levels and that things will improve as the season goes along.

Schroder notes the games with St. Joe, the two Portage schools, as well as games against Kalamazoo Central and Benton Harbor are the key games on the schedule. He expects Portage Northern to come out on top in the SMAC West and Kalamazoo Central in the East.

Lakeshore who usually has lofty goals each year has toned it down a bit, but Schroeder still wants to have a winning season, win a conference championship, and compete for a district championship.

Like St. Joe, the Lancers will play in the Division 1 District at Kalamazoo Central.

2023-24 Record: 19-6 (12-2)

Head Coach: Josh Beckman (6th season)

2024-25 Schedule:
11/25 vs. Lawrence – 7:00 p.m.
12/6 at River Valley – 7:30 p.m.
12/10 at New Buffalo – 7:30 p.m.
12/13 vs. Eau Claire – 7:30 p.m.
12/17 at Buchanan – 7:00 p.m.
1/4/25 vs. Bridgman – 7:00 p.m.
1/7 vs. Howardsville Christian – 7:00 p.m.
1/10 vs. Covert – 7:00 p.m.
1/11 vs. Royal Oak Shrine – TBA
1/13 at Holland Black River – 7:00 p.m.
1/17 vs. Michigan Lutheran – 7:00 p.m.
1/21 vs. River Valley – 7:00 p.m.
1/24 at Howardsville Christian – 7:00 p.m.
1/28 vs. Battle Creek St. Philip – 6:00 p.m.
1/31 at Benton Harbor Countryside – 7:00 p.m.
2/4 vs. New Buffalo – 7:00 p.m.
2/7 at Eau Claire – 7:00 p.m.
2/10 vs. Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
2/15 at Michigan Lutheran – 6:30 p.m.
2/18 at Watervliet – 7:00 p.m.
2/21 at Covert – 6:30 p.m.
Division 4 Districts at Our Lady of the Lake

The nature of school sports, not only college, but for high school is you generally get four years with a player, sometimes less. For Our Lady of the Lake coach Josh Beckman, the post Owen McLoughlin and Matt Lage era has arrived for the Lakers.

McLoughlin and Lage combined to score on average 35 points per game, but now the team will have a youth movement to make up for the offense they lost.

Nine players return for Our Lady, including Owen McLoughlin’s younger brother Eli (5’9, SO, PG). Also back are Anthony Jaseway 6’3 SO., C, Ben Jollay 6’3 JR., F, Oliver Beckmann 5’11, SO., G/F. Evan Watts 5’9, SO., F, Dylan Sargent 5’9, SO., G, Connor Yankauskas 6′, SR., F, Kalen Loebach 5’7, SR., G, Tommy Cullen
5’10, JR., F. One new addition will be Sebby Douglass 6’0 , SR., F

The Lakers will try to run the ball on offense but will do so in a controlled manner, while mixing up their defense during the game.

The speed and size inside for the Lakers will be a strength, and more importantly, especially for a small school, depth will be key as well.

Beckman says. “Being a young team we must be able to communicate with each other on the floor and play each possession with purpose and build on that throughout the year”

In addition to all of the BCS Conference games, Beckman points to the January 28th game against Battle Creek St. Philip as the key dates on the calendar. Beckman also thinks Michigan Lutheran and Howardsville Christian are the favorites in the league

2023-24 Record: 17-7 (12-2 BCS)

Head Coach: Matt Herbst (3rd season)

2024-25 Schedule:
12/3 at Howardsville Christian – 7:30 p.m.
12/6 vs. New Buffalo – 7:30 p.m.
12/10 at River Valley – 7:30 p.m.
12/13 at Lutheran Invitational Tournament vs. Wauwatosa Wisconsin Lutheran at Wauwatosa WI
12/14 at Lutheran Invitational Tournament vs. TBA at Wauwatosa WI
1/7/25 vs. Countryside Academy – 7:30 p.m.
1/10 at Eau Claire – 7:30 p.m.
1/14 at Bridgman – 7:30 p.m.
1/17 at Our Lady of the Lake – 7:00 p.m.
1/21 at New Buffalo – 7:30 p.m.
1/24 at Countryside Academy – 7:30 p.m.
1/27 at Buchanan – 7:30 p.m.
1/31 vs. Howardsville Christian – 7:30 p.m.
2/3 at Kalamazoo Christian – 7:00 p.m.
2/4 vs. River Valley – 7:30 p.m.
2/7 vs. Covert – 7:30 p.m.
2/11 vs. Martin – 7:00 p.m.
2/13 at Brandywine – 7:00 p.m.
2/15 vs. Our Lady of the Lake – 6:30 p.m.
2/17 at Comstock – 7:00 p.m.
2/21 vs. Eau Claire – 7:30 p.m.
Division 4 Districts at Our Lady of the Lake

Michigan Lutheran went 12-2 in the BCS Conference last season, which put the Titans in a tie for first place with rival Our Lady of the Lake. Third year head coach Matt Herbst is determined to not let the 2025 season end the same way.

Michigan Lutheran has seven returning players from last season. Those are:
Micah Herbst – 12th – 6′ – Guard – 7.2 PPG, 4.5 APG
Ty Johnson – 12th – 5’11” – Guard/Forward – 10.8 PPG, 2.3 SPG
Isaiah Gill – 12th – 6’6″ – Center – 8.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 2.2 BPG
Connor Olson – 10th – 6’4″ – Guard/Forward – 9.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 57.7 FG%
Anthony Ealey – 11th – 5’10” – Guard – 5.1 PPG
Jacob Janke – 12th – 6’4″ – Center – 2.3 PPG
Ben Ward – 12th – 5’10” – Guard – 1.6 PPG

Joining them are:
Thor Swisher – 10th Grade – 5’11” – Forward
Daniel Pearson – 11th Grade – 6’1″ – Forward
Ethan Eggert – 10th Grade – 5’9″ – Guard
Khannor Hamilton – 10th Grade – 5’11” – Guard

Herbst says, “We want to play fast and use our athleticism on both sides of the ball. On offense, we want to build on our 58 PPG last year and move that number closer to 65. We want lots of possessions with high-quality quick shots. We are going to play at a fast pace and use our size and athletic guards to get keep our opponent on their heels every night.”

While on defense, “we plan on playing a high-pressure man-to-man defense for the majority of the contest but pepper in some zone traps and press opportunities.”

Michigan Lutheran’s team strength, according to Herbst, “We have strong senior leadership who have played big games for the last two years. Our team may seem young on paper, but the guys filling reserve spots this year could start on a majority of teams in our conference. The competition in practice will elevate everyone’s play. So, with strong seniors who can defend and score combined with the depth on our team, we are primed for a strong season.”

Michigan Lutheran’s key games will be all of the BCS Conference game, but Herbst makes note of the games against Our Lady of the Lake, the second of which is the Titans Winterfest game. Lutheran also will be playing some very tough non-conference road games, against Division 3 teams, like defending state champion Brandywine, Buchanan, Bridgman, Kalamazoo Christian, and Comstock… All of which are on the road. The Titans also only have two home games in the month of January, those are the bookends of 6 straight road games.

Herbst says, “We expect to be highly competitive in every game on our schedule. Our goal is to exceed the expectations of others and win each game we play every night we step on the floor. We know our opponents will be ready for us. We’d love to finally get over the hump and win Districts and make a run in the tournament.”

Countryside did not respond back to our request for a preview