Mountain Ridge High School Men’s Basketball: 2025 Season Recap with Coach Craig Marcus
As the final buzzer sounds on the 2025 winter basketball season, Mountain Ridge High School finds itself at an exciting crossroads. With their second consecutive playoff appearance—a feat the program hasn’t accomplished in over a decade—the Mountain Lions are re-establishing themselves as a competitive force. Leading that resurgence is Head Coach Craig Marcus, who, in just a few seasons, has fostered a culture of resilience, commitment, and continuous improvement.
In this exclusive feature for the 2025 Winter Season Recap Series, Coach Marcus reflected on the team’s progress, key contributors, and the bright future ahead.
Building Momentum: A Season of Progress
For Coach Marcus, the 2025 season was a rewarding chapter in Mountain Ridge’s ongoing story of growth. “It went well,” he said. “We had some good wins and tough losses. Made the playoffs for the second year in a row. First time we’ve done that in 10 years.”
This playoff streak speaks to the upward trajectory of the program under Marcus's leadership. The results on the court reflect not just improved talent but also a renewed sense of purpose and belief within the team.
The season kicked off with strong performances, highlighted by a notable run in the Nike Tournament of Champions, where the team finished second in their bracket—a clear signal that Mountain Ridge could hang with some of the top programs in the region. “The start of our season was great,” Marcus said. “We did well to start.”
Leaders on the Court: Key Contributors
Every successful season is anchored by standout performances, and for the Mountain Lions, Jaiden Thompson was the heartbeat of the team. The senior led the squad in scoring, assists, and steals, making his mark on both ends of the court. His ability to control the tempo, create plays, and disrupt opponents was invaluable, and his leadership helped shape the identity of the team.
Dylan Donovan, a junior, and Jagger Cockrell brought a physical edge to the lineup as the team’s top rebounders. Their efforts on the glass gave the Mountain Lions second-chance opportunities and helped secure important possessions during key moments.
Meanwhile, Sam Muller emerged as the team's “glue guy”—the kind of player whose work ethic, hustle, and unselfish play often go unnoticed in the box score but make a huge difference on the floor. Every successful team needs a player like Muller—someone who does the little things that hold everything together.
As the season progressed, younger players also began to make an impact. One name Coach Marcus was quick to mention was Kaleb Bowen, who stepped into a larger role and began to show flashes of his potential. His development is a promising sign for the future.
Responding to Adversity: A Team That Never Quit
No season is without its challenges, and Mountain Ridge faced their fair share—whether it was battling through injuries, enduring tough losses, or competing in pressure-filled situations. But Coach Marcus was proud of the way his team responded.
“We never quit,” he said. “We just kept battling in every game regardless of injuries or pressure.”
This never-give-up attitude became a defining characteristic of the team. Win or lose, the Mountain Lions played with heart, grit, and a competitive spirit that was evident from opening tip to final buzzer. That resilience didn’t just keep them in games—it also inspired confidence within the team and the broader school community.
Senior Leadership: Setting the Standard
The 2025 season also marked the final year for a special senior class. Coach Marcus credited the seniors with providing the foundation for much of the team’s success this year.
“They were our leaders,” he said. “They set the tone for how we did and how we played.”
Seniors like Jaiden Thompson didn’t just lead with their talent—they led with their work ethic, passion, and accountability. Their presence helped younger players understand what it takes to compete at a high level and laid the groundwork for future success. It’s clear that this senior group will leave behind a legacy that extends beyond wins and losses.
Looking Forward: A Future Full of Promise
While this season’s achievements are worth celebrating, Coach Marcus has his sights set firmly on what’s next. What excites him most about the returning players? Their commitment.
“They are bought into what we are doing,” he said. “They are excited for the opportunity that is in front of them. We have some good players in our program and some coming to us that I think will make an impact.”
That kind of buy-in is essential for any team looking to build sustained success. And with a strong core returning, along with promising talent on the way, the Mountain Ridge program is in a great position to keep climbing.
Offseason preparation is already underway, and for Coach Marcus, the focus is clear: “Everything!” he said when asked what the team is looking to improve. From skills development to team chemistry, no area is off-limits. That mindset of never settling is what continues to drive the team forward.
Follow the Journey
For fans, families, and supporters looking to keep up with Mountain Ridge’s stats and progress, the team’s full numbers are available on MaxPreps. From individual performance breakdowns to team rankings, it’s a great way to follow the evolution of this rising program.
Conclusion: A Culture Taking Root
The 2025 season was more than just a string of games—it was a reflection of years of hard work, cultural change, and belief in a shared vision. Coach Craig Marcus and the Mountain Ridge High School men’s basketball team have taken major strides in reestablishing the program as a playoff-caliber force.
With back-to-back playoff appearances, strong senior leadership, and a talented group of returning players, the Mountain Lions are building something special. They aren’t just chasing wins—they’re building a culture of excellence, resilience, and unity.
As the offseason begins and eyes turn toward next year, one thing is certain: Mountain Ridge is no longer a team trying to make its mark—they’re a team that has arrived. And they’re just getting started.
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