Montague boys basketball enjoyed a winning season in 2023-24 in the first season under coach Nick Thaler. The Wildcats have a lot of production to replace from that team, but hopes remain high that the team can continue to have success.
The Wildcats had three high-caliber seniors a year ago in Isaiah Atchison, Owen Raeth and Paul Olson, all now graduated. Thaler doesn’t pretend that what they did for the team can be easily replicated, but is optimistic his returning players are ready for the challenge.
The ‘Cats have a few veteran performers who will take on bigger roles, including sharpshooter Kellan Francis, who was one of the state’s best three-point shooters by percentage last year, hitting nearly half his attempts. His offense is complemented by two veteran defenders, Jack Degen and Riley Mulder. Degen, who played soccer for the ‘Cats in the fall, brings athleticism to that end of the court, and Mulder’s size and physicality - he’s committed to play football at Saginaw Valley State University - should be an asset. Junior Cole Herremans has worked to develop his offensive game in anticipation of handling the ball more this season.
One new name to watch is senior Cortland Schneider, who played a little bit of basketball in 2022-23 but did not play last season. He’s returned to the team this winter and is bringing high energy.
“His energy level and leadership qualities have been great to see,” Thaler said. “He’s added an element to our program we haven’t seen in a while. The energy level and excitement he brought to tryout season and the chemistry already built with these guys is better than last year at this point...He’s got some skill we’re really excited to develop this year.”
The veterans should be the core of the team, but the Wildcats will see contributions from younger players as well. Cooper Bradley enjoyed a strong JV season a year ago and should be a factor, Noah Raeth brings speed and defensive ability, and Kyle Earnest has developed backcourt skills that should get him on the floor. Logan Hansen and Evan Eilers provide more size and rebounding.
“We have a lot of guys who have been coming into the gym at 6:30 a.m. to get in work together to put up shots, grow the culture and get to know each other better,” Thaler said.
The ‘Cats are also excited to develop the program with the impending opening of the new arena, which is slated for around the end of the season. Thaler hosted a 3X3 tournament over the summer and has plans to keep youth players invested in the program going forward.
“We have guys in the sophomore and freshman class who are really skilled guys,” Thaler said. “You have this nice big building you’re going to go into and create some memories. We’re going to put some sweat equity into that building, and obviously we want to put a good product on the floor. The only way to do that is to put in the time.”
The ‘Cats expect to be competitive in the West Michigan Conference Lakes, in which rival Whitehall went undefeated last year. One of the Vikings’ closest games in the league, though, was against Montague. Ludington and Oakridge, who also finished ahead of the ‘Cats last season, should again be threats.
“Every year is competitive in this league,” Thaler said. “I don’t think any night is a gimme or a cupcake. You have to be prepared to win.”
