South High Boys Basketball 2025 Season Recap: Growth, Grit, and Glimpses of the Future
The 2024–2025 winter season was a year of challenges and breakthroughs for the South High Boys Basketball Team, led by head coach Joe Hyser. Entering the year with a youthful roster and big goals, the Tigers showcased flashes of brilliance, endured adversity, and laid a promising foundation for the future of the program.
Though the team didn’t reach every benchmark they set, the season was marked by standout performances, memorable wins, and clear signs of progress. With five of the top seven players returning, the Tigers are poised to use this season as a springboard toward something greater in 2026.
Senior Leadership and Young Stars Shine
Leading the way for South this year was Senior Eugene Brown, who established himself as the heartbeat of the team. Not only was Eugene the Tigers’ leading scorer, but he also earned a reputation as their best defender. His performance on both ends of the court earned him a spot on the All-City Team, a fitting recognition for a player who carried both the statistical and emotional load for his squad.
Joining him on the All-City Team was freshman sensation Jumair Wright, who made waves across the state as one of Minnesota’s top 10 ninth-grade players. Jumair finished second in team scoring, making an immediate impact in his debut season and showing a maturity beyond his years.
Sophomore Ramadan Ibrahim also emerged as a steady presence, earning All-City Honorable Mention honors. He started every game for South this season and will be a key piece in the team’s future plans. With a sharp basketball IQ and a calm demeanor, Ramadan showed he's more than ready for a larger leadership role.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Coach Hyser described the season as a rollercoaster—a strong beginning followed by growing pains. “We got off to a strong start to the season, winning at North High and competing well against good teams,” he shared. “Then we got hit by injuries, and we struggled through much of the remainder of the season to get some continuity back.”
Despite the ups and downs, the team showed resilience. They defeated every team in their conference except Washburn, one of their key season goals. The win over North High was particularly meaningful—it was their third consecutive victory over their rivals and a moment that proved what the young team was capable of.
Defining Moments and Record Performances
Several standout performances helped shape the season narrative. One of the most notable came from Greg Johnson, who delivered an incredible 15-assist performance in a single game—a milestone moment and a testament to his playmaking ability.
On the defensive end, Liam Johnson made waves by taking three charges in a single game, an extremely rare feat that illustrated his willingness to do the dirty work and sacrifice his body for the team.
Perhaps most significantly, Ridwan Ibrahim, a junior who began the season as the sixth or seventh man, worked his way into the starting lineup. His development over the course of the season added a much-needed spark and depth to the roster.
Challenges Build Character
While the team showed promise, Coach Hyser acknowledged that adversity often exposed their youth and inexperience. “This is an area that our young team did not handle well,” he said. “We were too individualistic and didn’t come together as a team like we needed to, to persevere through adversity.”
However, he also saw value in these struggles. With such a young core, these learning moments are crucial for building the mental and emotional toughness needed to compete at a higher level.
Injury setbacks also created instability in the rotation, which made it harder to build momentum or consistency. Yet in these tough moments, the team looked to its seniors—particularly Eugene Brown—for guidance.
Senior Legacy
The 2025 senior class may not have finished their careers with a state title, but they left an indelible mark on the program. Coach Hyser praised their leadership, energy, and commitment to the team, especially in moments when injuries sidelined others.
“They showed the younger players the value of teamwork, and demonstrated dedication and selfless play on and off the court,” he said. Their contributions set the tone for a culture that will hopefully continue to flourish as the underclassmen grow into their roles.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
With the return of five of the top seven players—including four starters—Coach Hyser is optimistic about the program’s trajectory. The experience gained this season, especially under pressure, will pay dividends as the returning players aim to take the next step forward.
Among those expected to make the biggest impact next season are Ramadan Ibrahim, Jumair Wright, and Ridwan Ibrahim. All three showed tremendous growth over the past few months and will be leaned on heavily in the seasons to come.
Offseason Focus: Team Bonding and Toughness
As the offseason begins, Coach Hyser outlined two main areas of focus. “Priority #1 is to become a tighter, closer team,” he said. Building chemistry and unity will be essential for turning potential into production.
The second priority? Getting stronger and mentally tougher. The Tigers aim to develop the grit and discipline required to finish close games, respond better to adversity, and avoid the lapses that cost them wins during the 2025 campaign.
These improvements will not come easily, but they are within reach, especially for a group that now knows what it takes to compete at the varsity level.
Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements
Though the team’s official stats are available through Jeff Buszta at jeffrey.buszta@mpls.k12.mn.us, the numbers only tell part of the story. The growth of the players, the leadership of the seniors, and the moments of triumph amid trials all tell a richer tale—one of promise and perseverance.
With a blend of returning talent and the hard-earned lessons of a trying season, Coach Joe Hyser and the South High Tigers are poised for a strong comeback. If the team can translate their experiences into better chemistry and mental toughness, there's no telling how high they can climb in 2026.
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, one thing is clear: South High’s future is bright, and the journey is just getting started.
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