The Wheatland boys basketball team has posted three straight winning seasons and the 2024-25 season is off to a 3-0 start.
“We continue to trust the process in place and have a belief in ourselves that we can make a deep run come March,” Wheatland head coach Brian Pearson said. “Our boys are a seasoned group who have played in three straight district championships. We believe we can draw on that experience and play with confidence come postseason play.”
First-team all-conference selection Andrew Murphy returns along with second-team all-conference honoree Nathan Sawyer.
Murphy is a guard/forward who averaged 11.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.4 assist and 1.5 steals per game last season.
“We are looking for Andrew to be more of a verbal leader as the season gets underway,” Pearson said.
Sawyer scored 10.8 points with 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game last season.
“Although he does have some natural athleticism, the confidence in his shooting ability progressed nicely as a sophomore,” Pearson said. “We hope this leads to Nate believing in himself as a scorer this season.”
Tucker Shaddox also returns after scoring 11.8 points with 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2 steals per game last season. He earned all-district honors.
“Tucker has gained confidence with his scoring ability and will be asked to contribute more on both ends of the court,” Pearson said.
Braden Sawyer returns for his senior season after averaging 7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
“(He) bought into a defensive mindset last year. Had a great offensive summer,” Pearson said. “He should have a big year.”
Daniel Jones (junior), Damien Johnson (junior), Robert Iniguez (junior) and Lukas Gautieri (sophomore) also return.
Pearson on Jones: “Looks to be in the best shape of his high school career. Has put in the work this offseason to become more of an offensive force.”
Pearson on Johnson: “Extremely athletic player who continues to get better each year.”
Pearson on Iniguez: “Has shown the most growth by his commitment to being in the gym this offseason.”
Pearson on Gautieri: “Has an above average perimeter shooting ability. Will be asked to contribute more defensively.”
Freshman Xaveon Hunter and sophomore Talon Barnett are two newcomers to watch.
“Xaveon has been committed to improving his skill work this offseason. Could have an immediate impact as a freshman,” Pearson said. “Talon has shown he has potential and is willing to put in the work. He will split time between varsity and JV with a bright future ahead.”
Defense and chemistry are strengths for the team.
“Our biggest on-the-court strength the past couple of years has been our defense. Last year we were able to hold our opponents to 42.0 PPG. But our biggest overall strength is our team chemistry,” Pearson said. “In the day and age of egos, entitlement and instant gratification, our locker room culture is something of an anomaly. This group has grown up together, they hunt/fish/play Fortnite with one another, parents get along, the boys celebrate each other’s successes, etc. There is no jealousy, animosity, or negativity of any kind. They play for one another. It’s something special to be a part of.”
While defense has been a strength, Wheatland worked on the offensive side in the off-season.
“Our summer and preseason focus has been strictly on the offensive end,” Pearson said, “We have preached a defensive mindset since I’ve been here but beginning in June we have really challenged the boys to improve our ability to score at a higher level.”
Wheatland is off to a 3-0 start and plays in the Humansville tournament championship game on Saturday at 5:30 against top seed Halfway.
“The theme for our season is “Be Where Your Feet Are”,” Pearson said. “We want our players to reflect on where we have been, prepare for where we are going but remember to enjoy being in the moment. If the boys will completely sell out for a “one moment at a time” or a “one play at a time” mindset, I’ll consider that a successful season and the enjoyments will follow.”
