Oriskany Boys Varsity Basketball 2025 Recap: A Championship Season Led by Talent, Grit, and Pride
The 2025 winter season proved to be a memorable one for the Oriskany Boys Varsity Basketball team. Under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Marc Smith, a proud Oriskany alumnus from the class of 1991, the team delivered a performance that revitalized the program and rekindled championship aspirations. Finishing the season with an impressive 17-5 overall record and 11-1 in league play, the Redskins were crowned co-champions of the Center State Conference (CSC) — a title that hadn't been within reach for several years.
From breakout performances and milestone achievements to nail-biting wins and a strong team bond, this year's squad made a statement that Oriskany basketball is back on the map.
A Dynamic Roster of Talent and Heart
The success of the 2025 season was due in large part to a well-balanced roster of experienced seniors, emerging juniors, and promising underclassmen who stepped up when it mattered most.
Senior Nicholas Hays was the undisputed leader of the team, both in production and presence. Averaging an outstanding 21.4 points per game, Hays not only carried the scoring load but also reached a monumental career achievement—scoring his 1,000th point in an Oriskany uniform. His consistent offensive firepower made him the go-to player in tight moments and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Right alongside him was Junior Eddie Wright, who contributed significantly with 15.5 points per game. Wright’s smooth shooting and aggressive play made him a crucial secondary scorer and a player to watch as he returns next season with even more responsibility.
Sophomore Dean Koenig, younger brother of senior forward Chase Koenig, made a name for himself in a big way. Dean led the team in total points with 214 and showed poise beyond his years in high-pressure situations. His older brother Chase brought strength and hustle to the team’s frontcourt, contributing as a key rebounder and providing valuable senior leadership.
On the defensive side, Junior Tyler Tamburino and Sophomore Daniel Kosakowski emerged as gritty, dependable role players. Tamburino, averaging 5.0 points per game, and Kosakowski, with 6.0 points per game, both made their mark with stifling defense and hustle plays that often sparked momentum during games. Their ability to lock down opponents gave Oriskany a defensive identity that carried them through some of the season’s toughest matchups.
Signature Wins and a Championship Banner
Oriskany's regular season was filled with exciting victories and critical turning points that helped shape their championship run. Among the most thrilling were their 67-66 win over Waterville and a hard-fought 57-55 victory over Frankfort. Both games were decided by razor-thin margins and showcased the team’s resolve in crunch time.
Coach Smith emphasized the importance of those wins as character-builders and benchmarks for the team’s progress: “Those games showed what kind of heart this team had. They never backed down from a challenge.”
The 11-1 league record speaks volumes about Oriskany’s dominance in the CSC this season. Securing the league co-championship was a milestone that not only reflected the team’s talent but also marked a return to relevance for the program — something the school and community have been longing for.
A Special Year for a Returning Alum
The 2025 season had personal significance for Coach Marc Smith. Returning to his alma mater over three decades after graduating in 1991, Smith brought not only a deep love for the school but a clear vision for what Oriskany basketball could be.
“This team was a great group of young men to coach,” Smith said. “Coming back home to Oriskany and being part of a season like this made it all the more special.”
Coach Smith's influence was evident in the team’s discipline, unity, and steady improvement over the course of the season. His return has not only ignited success in the present but has laid the foundation for continued excellence in the years to come.
A Promising Core for 2026
One of the most exciting aspects of this season’s success is that it wasn’t just built on senior leadership—it was a team effort that included many underclassmen who are already making big contributions.
The team will return four starters, including Wright, Dean Koenig, Tamburino, and Kosakowski. Each of these players gained critical experience and showed they’re ready to take on even bigger roles moving forward.
Additionally, key bench players such as Dawson Foss, Brody Anderson, Nicholas Swald, and Jayson Mayo are expected to play larger roles next year. Combined with a strong group of rising sophomores, the future looks bright for Oriskany basketball.
“The depth we have coming back is encouraging,” said Coach Smith. “These boys understand the expectations now, and they’re hungry for more.”
Building on a Culture of Success
More than just numbers and wins, this team built a culture of teamwork, accountability, and resilience. They battled through tough games, kept each other accountable in practices, and grew stronger together.
What was especially notable about this team was their balance across the roster. There was no over-reliance on a single player—even with Hays’ impressive scoring totals, the Mustangs played a team-first style that emphasized sharing the ball, playing tough defense, and trusting one another.
Coach Smith’s leadership style focused on player development and long-term growth, not just wins. His message to the team was simple: Work hard, play for each other, and success will follow. That philosophy paid off, and now the program is entering a new era built on that foundation.
Looking Ahead
With a talented core returning and a coaching staff committed to excellence, Oriskany basketball is entering the offseason with momentum and purpose. The goal for 2026? Build on this year’s success, take the next step in the postseason, and continue competing at the highest level in league and sectional play.
But for now, the 2025 season stands as a beacon—a season that brought back a championship banner, created lifelong memories, and reestablished Oriskany as a force to be reckoned with on the hardwood.
Coach Smith, his players, and the entire community have plenty to be proud of. And if this season was any indication, the best may still be yet to come.
 — a title that hadn't been within reach for several years.
From breakout performances and milestone achievements to nail-biting wins and a strong team bond, this year's squad made a statement that Oriskany basketball is back on the map.
A Dynamic Roster of Talent and Heart
The success of the 2025 season was due in large part to a well-balanced roster of experienced seniors, emerging juniors, and promising underclassmen who stepped up when it mattered most.
Senior Nicholas Hays was the undisputed leader of the team, both in production and presence. Averaging an outstanding 21.4 points per game, Hays not only carried the scoring load but also reached a monumental career achievement—scoring his 1,000th point in an Oriskany uniform. His consistent offensive firepower made him the go-to player in tight moments and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Right alongside him was Junior Eddie Wright, who contributed significantly with 15.5 points per game. Wright’s smooth shooting and aggressive play made him a crucial secondary scorer and a player to watch as he returns next season with even more responsibility.
Sophomore Dean Koenig, younger brother of senior forward Chase Koenig, made a name for himself in a big way. Dean led the team in total points with 214 and showed poise beyond his years in high-pressure situations. His older brother Chase brought strength and hustle to the team’s frontcourt, contributing as a key rebounder and providing valuable senior leadership.
On the defensive side, Junior Tyler Tamburino and Sophomore Daniel Kosakowski emerged as gritty, dependable role players. Tamburino, averaging 5.0 points per game, and Kosakowski, with 6.0 points per game, both made their mark with stifling defense and hustle plays that often sparked momentum during games. Their ability to lock down opponents gave Oriskany a defensive identity that carried them through some of the season’s toughest matchups.
Signature Wins and a Championship Banner
Oriskany's regular season was filled with exciting victories and critical turning points that helped shape their championship run. Among the most thrilling were their 67-66 win over Waterville and a hard-fought 57-55 victory over Frankfort. Both games were decided by razor-thin margins and showcased the team’s resolve in crunch time.
Coach Smith emphasized the importance of those wins as character-builders and benchmarks for the team’s progress: “Those games showed what kind of heart this team had. They never backed down from a challenge.”
The 11-1 league record speaks volumes about Oriskany’s dominance in the CSC this season. Securing the league co-championship was a milestone that not only reflected the team’s talent but also marked a return to relevance for the program — something the school and community have been longing for.
A Special Year for a Returning Alum
The 2025 season had personal significance for Coach Marc Smith. Returning to his alma mater over three decades after graduating in 1991, Smith brought not only a deep love for the school but a clear vision for what Oriskany basketball could be.
“This team was a great group of young men to coach,” Smith said. “Coming back home to Oriskany and being part of a season like this made it all the more special.”
Coach Smith's influence was evident in the team’s discipline, unity, and steady improvement over the course of the season. His return has not only ignited success in the present but has laid the foundation for continued excellence in the years to come.
A Promising Core for 2026
One of the most exciting aspects of this season’s success is that it wasn’t just built on senior leadership—it was a team effort that included many underclassmen who are already making big contributions.
The team will return four starters, including Wright, Dean Koenig, Tamburino, and Kosakowski. Each of these players gained critical experience and showed they’re ready to take on even bigger roles moving forward.
Additionally, key bench players such as Dawson Foss, Brody Anderson, Nicholas Swald, and Jayson Mayo are expected to play larger roles next year. Combined with a strong group of rising sophomores, the future looks bright for Oriskany basketball.
“The depth we have coming back is encouraging,” said Coach Smith. “These boys understand the expectations now, and they’re hungry for more.”
Building on a Culture of Success
More than just numbers and wins, this team built a culture of teamwork, accountability, and resilience. They battled through tough games, kept each other accountable in practices, and grew stronger together.
What was especially notable about this team was their balance across the roster. There was no over-reliance on a single player—even with Hays’ impressive scoring totals, the Mustangs played a team-first style that emphasized sharing the ball, playing tough defense, and trusting one another.
Coach Smith’s leadership style focused on player development and long-term growth, not just wins. His message to the team was simple: Work hard, play for each other, and success will follow. That philosophy paid off, and now the program is entering a new era built on that foundation.
Looking Ahead
With a talented core returning and a coaching staff committed to excellence, Oriskany basketball is entering the offseason with momentum and purpose. The goal for 2026? Build on this year’s success, take the next step in the postseason, and continue competing at the highest level in league and sectional play.
But for now, the 2025 season stands as a beacon—a season that brought back a championship banner, created lifelong memories, and reestablished Oriskany as a force to be reckoned with on the hardwood.
Coach Smith, his players, and the entire community have plenty to be proud of. And if this season was any indication, the best may still be yet to come.)
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