After a successful year one under new head coach Shane Traughber, which ended with a postseason loss to McPherson, the Concordia High School boys’ basketball team is ready to roll into the 2025-26 season.
“We have a very competitive group of guys who care about doing things the right way,” said Traughber. “It's exciting to have a year under our belt, and we'll look to build on that and continue to improve every day and every game. I'm looking forward to that process.”
Departing from last year’s team are starters Peyton Retter, who is now a part of the Cloud County Men's Basketball team, Luke Donovan, and Karson Lister who was a key contributor to the team. This Panther team saw big roles last year from underclassmen who are looking to continue to contribute.
“We will definitely miss Peyton, Luke and Karson Lister, who all played key roles for us last season. This year's group is still forming their identity, and that will continue, but we have had great buy-in and energy every day. We feel like we have enough balance that we won't ever have to rely on one or two guys. Each night, it may be a different player that leads us in scoring or makes the key play on defense, and leadership has been the same way. There are quite a few guys who are leading vocally and by example.”
This team boasts three seniors: big man Chane Parker, and bigger roles for Baylor Knox and Christian Waterman. For the rest of the team, there are five sophomores and six juniors that Concordia will have at their disposal with a multitude of skillsets.
“Chane Parker has done an excellent job as a returning captain, and Isaias Irigoyen has taken big strides over the summer with his game, as well as his leadership as his teammates voted him a captain as well,” said Traughber. “Ayden Krier did a great job as a freshman point guard, and he has physically and mentally matured and will be ready to take on an even bigger role this season. Boone Richard, Ian Loudermilk, Baylor Knox and Kale Schroeder have also all stood out as being ready to contribute in big ways.”
The Panthers open the season going on the road to face off against rival Beloit, who Concordia defeated last year in a double overtime thriller, which was the start of a six-game winning streak to open the season. The Panthers home opener is Dec. 9 versus Riley County, who went 5-16 last year. “We will look to be at our best come post-season tournament time. Until that point, we want to respect every opponent, adapt to differing playing styles, and learn from every opportunity. Our main focus, though, will be on ourselves rather than opponents. Did we play our best? Did we execute? Did we play the right way and do the things we work on every day?”
