Redlands Boys Basketball Focuses on Growth and Grit After Tough 2025 Season
For Coach Joey Sponheim and the Redlands High School Boys Basketball team, the 2025 winter season was more about perseverance, growth, and development than it was about the win-loss column. The Terriers may have ended the season with a 5-20 record, but the journey was marked by close games, emerging talent, and a strong sense of unity that signals a brighter future for the program.
As part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Series, Coach Sponheim provided candid insights into the challenges his team faced and the optimism he holds for what lies ahead.
Key Contributors: Veterans and Rising Stars
Despite the tough season, the Redlands squad had several standout performers who made significant impacts on both ends of the court.
Leading the way was Charlie Schadwinkel, a reliable playmaker and the team’s top scorer. "Charlie was the reason we were able to stay in many games," Coach Sponheim noted. His ability to create shots, set the pace, and lead by example gave Redlands a competitive edge, even when the odds were stacked against them.
Another critical contributor was freshman Reid Horan, who impressed coaches and opponents alike with his high energy and natural scoring instincts. “He’s got a high motor and an impressive scoring ability,” said Sponheim. For a first-year player competing at the varsity level, Reid’s performance was nothing short of promising.
A Season of Narrow Margins and Close Battles
The Terriers' 5-20 record tells only part of the story. Redlands lost eight games by seven points or fewer, a statistic that reflects how close they were to turning the corner in many contests. For a team working to rebuild and develop chemistry, the ability to compete at that level shows there’s a solid foundation to build upon.
“The season was a rough one,” Sponheim admitted. “But the margins show how competitive we were.” One game that stood out was a home matchup against West Valley, which the coach called a defining moment. “It felt like everything clicked—both offense and defense were working together.”
That game proved the team’s potential and gave players a glimpse of what they could achieve with consistency and cohesion.
Player Development and Breakout Performances
One of the major positives from this season was the development of several underclassmen. In addition to Horan, freshman Kasen Gragg emerged as another bright spot, growing in confidence and responsibility as the season wore on. Both young players earned more minutes as they proved themselves in practice and in-game situations.
Their growth speaks volumes about the coaching staff’s emphasis on player development. Redlands isn’t just filling spots—they’re building for sustained improvement.
Facing Adversity with Resilience
Any losing season tests the character of a team, and for Coach Sponheim, the true success of the 2025 campaign was how his players responded to adversity.
“What I’m most proud of,” he shared, “is the team's ability to continue listening—to us as coaches and to each other—and to keep working, no matter the circumstances.”
Injuries, tough losses, and high-pressure moments were common throughout the year, but the group never fractured. They stayed committed to each other and the vision laid out by the coaching staff.
Senior Class: Leadership Amidst Transition
Leadership often falls to the senior class, and for Redlands, this year’s seniors provided stability during a time of change. “Many of our seniors had a different coach every year of their high school careers,” Sponheim noted. “That makes it really tough on them.”
Despite the constant changes, this year’s seniors built strong bonds off the court that translated into unity on it. Their resilience and dedication helped guide the younger players through a challenging season.
Looking Ahead: Youth Movement and Program Growth
With a large group of underclassmen returning, the future is looking brighter for Redlands Basketball. Coach Sponheim is excited about the youth and hunger he sees in the program.
“The JV team had a strong turnaround from last year,” he said, “and that momentum is carrying over into the varsity program.” With players like Horan and Gragg gaining valuable experience, the core of the team is poised to improve significantly in the coming seasons.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening the Offense
Looking ahead to the offseason, the coaching staff is focused on tightening up offensive sets and quick hitters. These are critical areas that could help the team close the gap in those narrow losses and turn them into wins.
“We’ve already started evaluating and adjusting,” Sponheim said. “We want to put our guys in better positions to succeed on the offensive end.” As they refine strategy and execution, the Terriers hope to maximize the talent they have and become a more efficient, disciplined unit.
Where to Follow the Team
Fans and followers of Redlands Boys Basketball can track player stats and team performance on MaxPreps, where the team’s profile offers detailed game-by-game breakdowns and season summaries.
Final Thoughts: Laying the Foundation for the Future
While the win-loss record from the 2025 season might not turn heads, those who’ve been close to the Redlands program know that something special is brewing. With a passionate coaching staff, a group of hard-working seniors who helped stabilize the team, and a core of emerging underclassmen, the Terriers are well-positioned for a leap forward.
As Coach Sponheim continues to lay the groundwork, one thing is clear: this team isn’t just playing for the present—they’re building a future defined by resilience, development, and a commitment to each other.
The road back to winning won’t be easy. But if this past season proved anything, it’s that Redlands has the heart and grit to rise again.
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