Winston Churchill High School Boys Basketball: Building for the Future with a Strong 2025 Season
2025 Winter Season Recap Article Series
As the winter sports season wrapped up, Coach Sky Stickney of Winston Churchill High School took time to reflect on what was a promising and growth-filled year for the Lancers Boys Basketball team. Battling one of the most challenging schedules in the state, this young team showed grit, potential, and flashes of brilliance that point toward an exciting future for the program.
Key Contributors: Young Talent Leading the Way
The Lancers leaned heavily on a core group of juniors and underclassmen who stepped up throughout the season and made significant contributions on both ends of the floor.
At the center of the team’s success was 6-foot-10 Junior Ty Read, who emerged as one of the state’s top rebounders. His dominance on the glass earned him a Second Team All-Midwestern League honor, anchoring the Lancers’ inside presence on defense and offense alike.
On the wing, Junior Jace Litten showcased his scoring and defensive prowess, earning First Team All-Midwestern League recognition and Honorable Mention All-State honors. Litten’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways was critical in many close matchups throughout the season.
Junior point guard TJ Wright was perhaps the most remarkable story of the year, experiencing a breakout season that elevated him to become the team’s focal point. Wright’s on-court leadership and playmaking earned him an Honorable Mention All Midwestern League spot and made him a key catalyst in the team’s offense.
Adding excitement for the future was 6-foot-7 Freshman Luke Read, who made an immediate impact as a shot-blocking force and finished the year with an Honorable Mention Midwestern League nod. His rim protection and length make him one to watch for years to come.
Season Overview: Growth Amidst High Expectations
Coach Stickney described the season as “good” but acknowledged the team’s lofty goals and challenging circumstances. “We played one of the more challenging schedules in the state, with only nine home games and competing mostly against 6A competition,” he explained.
Despite the hurdles, the Lancers compiled a solid record and made strides in team chemistry and execution. “Anything less than a deep run at state feels like less than what we wanted, but this was a great season for this group to gel and prepare for a solid run next year,” Stickney said. With just one senior graduating, the foundation is set for the future.
Defining Moments: Proving Their Mettle
A turning point for the Lancers came during the Capitol City Classic tournament in late December. There, they faced off against some of the top teams in the region and proved they could compete at that level.
“That tournament showed us that we can hang with the best teams,” Stickney noted. “It was a confidence boost and a moment where the team started believing in themselves on a bigger stage.”
Player Development: Rising Stars and Growing Roles
Coach Stickney highlighted the development of several players who took on increased responsibility as the season progressed.
“TJ Wright really blossomed into a star and a phenomenal leader down the stretch,” he said. Wright’s growth was evident not only in stats but in his ability to direct the team and handle pressure situations.
Looking to the future, Stickney is very excited about Luke Read, projecting him to be “among the top players in the state in the coming years.”
He also praised two sophomores, Alonzo Reyes and Madison Bradshaw, who played critical minutes this season. “I expect both of them to make a lot of noise next year,” the coach added, highlighting the team’s promising young talent.
Handling Adversity: Growing Through Challenges
Injuries, tough losses, and pressure situations are inevitable in any competitive season, but the Lancers embraced these challenges with resilience.
“That’s one of the beautiful parts of coaching high school basketball — guiding young athletes through adversity,” Stickney said. The team learned to “lean in, know their strengths, and depend on each other stepping up when their number was called.”
This mentality fostered a sense of accountability and trust that bodes well for the future.
Leadership: The Impact of Senior Captain Cannon Mann
While this year’s team was young, it did have one steady veteran presence in Senior Cannon Mann — affectionately known as “Unc” by teammates.
Mann, a three-year varsity player, was more than just a contributor on the floor; he was a standard-bearer for the program’s core values.
“We want our program to be known for character, accountability, work ethic, and brotherhood,” Stickney said. “Cannon helped us come up with those standards and modeled them every day, both on campus and on the court.”
That kind of leadership, Stickney noted, has a lasting impact that extends beyond the players’ high school careers and sets a tone for years to come.
Looking Ahead: Optimism and High Expectations
With most of the roster returning next year, Coach Stickney is optimistic about the team’s prospects.
“We retain the core of this team — they know each other and are confident in their ability to compete at the highest level in the state,” he said. “The guys are already working hard in the gym, and that’s always a great sign.”
Beyond the physical preparation, Stickney emphasized the importance of the team culture. “This team likes each other, and they want to win. That combination makes all the difference.”
Offseason Goals: Growth and Setting Apart
Reflecting on the offseason, Stickney stressed that last year was about learning and gaining varsity experience for many players.
“Now it’s time to take steps forward and start setting ourselves apart from the pack,” he said. The focus will be on developing skills, improving team cohesion, and addressing key areas like decision-making and execution.
Accessing Stats and Following the Team
Fans and followers can track the Lancers’ progress and stats throughout the season via MaxPreps at https://www.maxpreps.com/or/eugene/churchill-lancers/basketball/, and stay updated with highlights and news on the team’s official Instagram page, @Churchillmensbasketball.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Winston Churchill Boys Basketball team has laid an important foundation for success. With a talented young nucleus, strong leadership, and a culture built on accountability and brotherhood, the Lancers are poised to make a serious run next season.
Coach Stickney’s vision is clear: continue to grow, build on the lessons learned this year, and bring home the deep playoff run that this team is capable of achieving.
For the players, coaches, and fans alike, the future is bright, and the best basketball for the Lancers is yet to come.
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