Building Momentum: Crescent Boys Basketball Wraps Up a Season of Growth Under New Leadership
In what proved to be a transitional yet inspiring season, the Lacrescent Boys Basketball team took major steps forward under the guidance of newly appointed Head Coach Erik Wuensch. Though the year presented its share of growing pains, the 2025 campaign was marked by perseverance, steady improvement, and a glimpse into a promising future.
Taking the reins of a program just before the season began, Coach Wuensch faced the unique challenge of implementing a new system in a limited amount of time. Despite the odds, the team made significant strides, showing growth on both ends of the floor while competing with heart and grit.
A New Era Begins
When Coach Wuensch was hired late in the offseason, the primary task ahead was clear: install a new system, develop chemistry, and get the players to buy in quickly. That’s no easy feat for any coach, let alone a first-year head coach with limited prep time. However, the results speak volumes about the commitment of the players and the leadership of the staff.
“I was named coach late, so putting in a new system was hard for the players at the beginning of the season,” Wuensch said. “But I thought we improved throughout the season.”
That improvement became the central theme of the year. Game by game, practice by practice, the team began to gel, and their confidence and execution improved with each outing.
Key Contributors Lead the Charge
Among the standout performers this season were Berkley Mlsna and Ryan Nutter, two athletes whose contributions were instrumental to Lacrescent’s competitiveness.
Mlsna was a scoring machine for the team, averaging 19 points per game and breaking the school record with 83 made three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor and deliver under pressure made him a central figure in the team’s offensive strategy. Whether pulling up in transition or spotting up from the corner, Berkley brought a consistent scoring punch night after night.
Complementing Mlsna’s perimeter firepower was senior forward Ryan Nutter, who delivered one of the most consistent and well-rounded performances of the season. Nutter averaged a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds per game, anchoring the paint and providing crucial toughness on the boards. His physical presence and effort in the post were key in close contests and helped set the tone for the rest of the team.
A Game to Remember: The Fillmore Central Thriller
Every season has its defining moments, and for Lacrescent, that moment came during an electrifying battle with Fillmore Central. The game stretched into double overtime, with the Lancers needing not one, but two clutch three-pointers to keep their hopes alive.
“The game that sticks out is the double overtime game with Fillmore Central,” Wuensch recalled. “We needed a 3-pointer at the end of regulation to tie the game and a 3-pointer at the end of the second overtime to win.”
The win was more than just a mark in the W column — it was a testament to the team’s composure, resilience, and ability to rise in pressure situations. Moments like these often mark turning points in a season, giving players the belief that they can overcome adversity and succeed in the clutch.
A Special Senior Class
Coach Wuensch was fortunate to inherit a group of eight seniors, and their influence went far beyond the box score. Though this group only had one year under Wuensch’s direction, they helped bridge the transition, modeling what it means to lead with character, passion, and maturity.
“I inherited 8 seniors for the year and they were terrific young men,” Wuensch said.
Their leadership was critical not only for in-game performance but also for building a foundation that younger players could look up to. From showing up to practice with intensity to mentoring less experienced teammates, this senior class leaves behind a legacy of commitment and class.
Looking to the Future: Youth and Opportunity
While saying goodbye to such a meaningful senior class is always tough, the future at Lacrescent is bright. Several underclassmen earned their first shot at varsity action this season, and the experience they gained will be invaluable heading into next year.
“We return some players who got their first chance at varsity this season,” Wuensch noted. “I’m looking forward to next year.”
This blend of game experience and youthful potential provides the coaching staff with a strong core to build upon. With another offseason of development, weight training, and system reinforcement, next year’s squad will be better prepared, both physically and mentally, to compete at a high level.
Offseason Focus: Strength and Physicality
As the team turns the page to offseason preparation, Coach Wuensch has a clear plan in mind. “We just need to get bigger and stronger,” he said.
Physical development will be a priority for returning players. Adding size and strength will not only improve individual matchups but also help the team stay competitive in a league where physicality often makes the difference between wins and losses. Combined with continued skill development, especially on the defensive end and in rebounding, this offseason will be a crucial one.
The Lancers’ coaching staff also plans to revisit the fundamentals, refining the system that was introduced this year and ensuring that players return in the fall with a solid foundation.
Stats and Records
Fans and followers interested in diving into individual and team statistics can find more details via Minnesota Sports Hub, the team's stat-tracking platform.
Visit: https://www.mn-sportshub.com for updated stats and recaps from the 2025 season.
A Year of Transition, A Future of Promise
The 2025 season at Lacrescent High School will be remembered as more than just a year of basketball — it was a year of change, growth, and laying the groundwork for the future. With a resilient senior class, emerging young talent, and a new coach with a clear vision, the Lancers have momentum moving forward.
As Coach Wuensch continues to shape the program in his vision, there’s a shared optimism among players, parents, and fans alike: this team is just getting started.
From record-breaking performances to unforgettable comebacks, the Lacrescent Lancers gave their community something to cheer about — and the best may still be ahead.
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