With the introduction of many new players to the program, as well as returners on the JV and varsity team, Madison Boys Basketball has started their prep for the winter season and are chasing a championship this year. Many players anticipate a successful season and are looking forward to playing with their returning teammates.
“It was easy and enjoyable getting to play with my old teammates and making friends with my new teammates,” JV small forward Hayden Nash (’26) said.
Madison has had a boys basketball team since the creation of the school and though they have yet to win a state championship, they have won ten conference titles, as well as one regional title. Looking towards the future, O’Connell has been removed from Madison’s regular season schedule and South Lakes is likely to be the Warhawks’ biggest competition.
The team is looking for a strong year this year before a future rebuild due to most of the starting lineup being seniors. In preparation for the rebuild, the freshman and JV teams have been incorporating varsity drills within their practices. In addition, some members from the lower teams practiced with varsity temporarily in substitute of football players, and to also get reps with the varsity team.
According to members of the team, large portions of the practice are dedicated to plays and defenses to stop a powerful South Lakes team and hopefully to get a competitive edge over them. Madison is facing off against Marshall for an away game on Dec. 15 as well, according to the team’s Instagram. Also, the team consists of many new players from last year’s JV team. The rest of the team is made up of senior and junior returners with three members of the starting lineup being seniors. Because of this, the team is looking at a big change to the roster next year.
“Being a part of a team is like being part of a big friend group,” Sumay Frueh (’24), a guard and forward for the varsity team said. “It’s like competing every day with your best friends.”
The coaching staff was subject to a few changes during the offseason. Daniel Gerke, a former assistant coach on the varsity team, was named head coach of the JV Boys team assisted by Coach Nadine Hetman. Taiga Walker, a former all-region player for Madison was also named as an assistant coach of the boys varsity team. Walker was on the team during Coach Roller’s first season at Madison, starting an 11 year-long journey for both the team and Roller. Coaches such as Austin Ruleman and Don Buerkle have remained in the same position as before.
“I’m excited to start playing with new teammates and building chemistry, winning games and having fun,” varsity shooting guard, Mason Burger (’25) said.