The boys basketball program is entering a new era this season with guidance counselor David Leland, who brings high expectations and a different coaching style as the new head coach.
Leland said he has always aspired to be head coach, and it felt like a natural progression in his coaching career. Before this year, Leland coached the freshman boys basketball team.
“After you coach for a while,you eventually want to take the next step,” he said.
Leland said his connection to basketball is rooted in his own experiences as a player. He explained he played basketball from first grade through his senior year, which shaped his approach to coaching.
“My passion for basketball comes from the great experiences I had with basketball at a young age, and that’s what drove me to coach,” he said.
Leland said he has exceptionally high expectations for his team this season, citing the high level of talent among players. He said he thinks his leadership is an opportunity to change things within the program.
One of the biggest changes Leland hopes to make it to the team’s offensive scheme, he said. Specifically, he wants to play at a faster pace compared to previous years, and he plans to emphasize the importance of proper conditioning.
“We have to be in better shape than everybody else to have more success,” he said.
Leland said he intends to leave a legacy beyond winning and losing games, and he hopes players cherish their time in the program together.
“I want them to miss high school basketball because of how great of an experience it was,” Leland said.
Senior captain Lolan Reiss said Leland coached many of the seniors as freshmen. “It’s a full circle moment,” he said. “It’s really special that we get the opportunity to play out our senior year with him.”
Reiss added the team is optimistic about Leland stepping up as head coach.
“Everyone on the team is extremely excited for this season, and I can’t wait to see what we can do,” he said.
Senior captain Kyle Hagely explained he has high hopes for his final high school basketball season.
Hagely said he is confident in the new coaching staff, and he is excited for his teammates and the seniors’ active leadership that will be present on the court this year.
“This team has the talent to contend in every game,” he said.
Hagely has played basketball throughout his four years of high school and is looking forward to seeing how this team will collaborate, he said.
“Generally, the ability to play basketball is separate from the ability to unite a team,” he said,
“but I believe our players can succeed at both this year.”
Published and digitized November 2025.
