2025-26 Boys Basketball Preview: Rams getting better, staying patient

Joe Bryan is a patient man.

The Raceland boys basketball coach has to be during the offseason. The rise of the football program has the Rams playing into December the last three seasons and they will be playing after Thanksgiving again.

Bryan supports the gridiron and his roundball guys who put on the helmet. The preseason regimen had to be altered, and now the process has become seamless.

“It’s been a major transition and something that we’ve had to get used to,” Bryan said. “We feel that now in Year 5, we have a good grasp on it. It’s a little different every year. and it’s how many kids that we have? How many bodies are at practice? We’ve got it down to where we know how to work it.”

Bryan brought in the middle school team that includes a group of talented eighth graders to stand in until the team becomes whole again. They compete at practice and gain valuable experience that will benefit them down the road when their roles expand.

“We’ve got a really big eighth-grade group,” Bryan said. “They are kids who like to play and they are really good players. We brought them over once the middle school football season ended. They really help us in practice. They are players that we’ll see in the future. Our football team has done really well the last few years. We’ll probably have to play regular-season games without the football players, and those eighth graders will see a big spot early in the season.”

The varsity group at practice will see bigger roles once the season starts, too. Bryan sees the preseason preparation as a win-win scenario.

“We are going to have guys that we feel are varsity-level starters,” Bryan said. “They can be contributors right now. Then will add six or seven football guys. I am really excited about the depth that we were able to build. You’re getting experience for those guys that may not get as many reps during the season. They are here every day at practice, getting thrown into the fire. It’s really good for their progression and development.”

It helps that the team’s seniors can experience a full preseason together. It aids the transition and their leadership can help guide the younger players.

“Our four seniors are not football guys, and they’ve done a really great job in the preseason,” Bryan said. “It’s been really a big help in practice. Those four guys can lead and show the young guys how we do things. It helps me that in Year 5, the expectations are already known and everybody knows how we practice. The older guys have instilled that in the other guys.

“As the years progressed, every guy gets a little more vocal,” he added. “We’re doing a great job during this transition period until we get our full team together.”

Bryan said Charles Welch has worked on extending his game during the offseason. He can take up room in the paint and remains a solid rebounder and defender.

“Charles Welch is 6-foot-8,” Bryan said. “He’s been working out every morning, trying to develop his outside game and his jump shot, as well as getting to the rim. We think that will be massive for him.”

Senior Eli Caines, Reece Hicks and Brody Bradshaw will see increased roles this year. Bryan said Caines can do it all and will be a presence in the post. Bradshaw will see more minutes in the frontcourt. Hicks has earned a starting spot, according to Bryan, after supplying big minutes and instant energy for the Rams last year.

Jonah Arnett averaged 15.1 points a game to lead the Rams last year. He also made 43% of his 3-point attempts. Raceland features a stellar backcourt. Jake Waller and Arnett grab the leadership reins after the graduation of Connor Thacker.

“Jonah is as steady as they come,” Bryan said. “He never says a word. He just goes out and plays his tail off. We know what we’re getting when we get him and Jake Waller back. It’s the talent level and leadership, along with scoring and defensive ability. The other guys right now are just going to get better and better.

Eli Evans, Scout Wilks and Maddux Hughes are part of the gridiron contingent who play major roles on the basketball court. Bryan said they are all great athletes who can run the floor and play defense. Hughes offers more size in the paint.