Skyview High Boys Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Journey to the State Title
The 2025 winter season was a landmark year for Skyview High School’s Boys Basketball team. Under the leadership of Head Coach James Bulluck, the team not only captured the coveted state championship but also showcased a blend of talent, heart, and growth that set the foundation for a promising future. We sat down with Coach Bulluck to get an inside look at the season’s key players, defining moments, challenges, and what lies ahead for Skyview basketball.
Key Contributors: The Heart and Soul of the Team
This season, Skyview’s success was fueled by a group of versatile, dedicated players who each brought something unique to the floor.
Zakai Owens, a 6’8” point-forward, was a multi-dimensional force. Averaging 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, Owens was not only a consistent scorer but also the team’s top facilitator and a strong presence on the boards. His performance earned him the tournament MVP honors, reflecting his critical impact on both ends of the court.
Then there was Tayshaun Williams, the reigning 6th Man of the Year, who elevated his game to new heights. This season, Williams led the team in scoring and was second in rebounding, earning all-tournament and all-state honors. Known for his offensive versatility, Williams could score from anywhere on the floor, making him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.
On the defensive end, Camble Bjornstad was a relentless disruptor. Tasked with guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player night after night, Bjornstad’s lockdown defense created turnovers and shifted momentum countless times throughout the year.
Merek Fisher, standing 6’6” and weighing 210 pounds, provided a crucial physical edge off the bench. Known for his toughness and rebounding, Fisher was the team’s spark plug—a true 6th man who brought energy, physicality, and toughness whenever he stepped on the court.
Finally, Isaac Mosser was described by Coach Bulluck as the “glue guy.” Mosser embraced the gritty, unglamorous work—playing in the trenches, hustling for every loose ball, and doing the things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet but are vital to a team’s success.
A Season of Growth: Triumphs and Trials
Coach Bulluck reflected positively on the season as a whole, highlighting the team’s cohesion and resilience.
“The season went really well, capped off by winning the state title,” he said. The team’s chemistry was a standout factor. “We had guys who stepped into roles and played them better than anyone else.”
The record tells the story: Skyview finished 17-5, a strong showing in a competitive league. But the team’s weaknesses also surfaced, particularly in ball security. “In our losses, we averaged over 18 turnovers a game,” Bulluck acknowledged. Controlling the ball would become a key focus moving forward.
Still, the season was full of memorable moments. One of the highlights was a crucial home victory over Gallatin, a must-win game that kept their postseason hopes alive. Even more thrilling was overcoming their in-town rival in the state championship after having lost to them twice during the regular season.
Defining Moments: Turning Points in Tough Times
The season’s momentum nearly faltered late in the year with back-to-back losses to Senior High and West High. These setbacks came with just two games remaining, putting pressure on Skyview to salvage their season.
“That was the turning point for us,” Coach Bulluck said. “Those losses sparked something in our boys. They realized they controlled how they wanted to finish the season.”
With two must-win games on the horizon, the team responded with renewed focus and determination, carrying that intensity through the playoffs and all the way to the state title.
Emerging Stars: Players Who Stepped Up
Several players grew significantly over the course of the season, moving from role players to key contributors.
Isaac Mosser transitioned from a non-playing varsity member to a starter and the team’s dependable “glue guy.” His willingness to do the hard work every game was vital to Skyview’s success.
Jaysun Mims, the team’s lone sophomore, made the most of his opportunities, including scoring eight points in the championship game—an impressive contribution for such a young player on a pressure-packed stage.
Merek Fisher’s growth was perhaps most dramatic. From a backup big man, he evolved into one of the most dominant players on the floor at times, causing problems offensively and defensively with his size and physicality.
Handling Pressure: Resilience in Adversity
Throughout the season, Skyview’s ability to handle pressure was a key attribute.
“They hadn’t lost back-to-back games until those final two losses late in the season,” Bulluck noted. Their resilience in close games was impressive, holding a winning record in games decided by fewer than five points.
This mental toughness and ability to stay composed under pressure carried them through the tough stretches of the year, especially in the postseason run.
Senior Leadership: The Winning Mentality
The senior class was the backbone of this championship team, bringing leadership, energy, and a relentless work ethic.
“They brought a winning mentality,” Bulluck said, praising their fight and determination. “They fought, scraped, and clawed to get the job done.”
According to the coach, the seniors consistently played as if every game was part of the state tournament—a mindset that helped elevate the entire team’s performance.
Looking Forward: Excitement for the Future
With the title secured, Coach Bulluck is already looking ahead with optimism.
“What excites me most is how much these kids like playing basketball together,” he said. The camaraderie on and off the court is strong, and several great athletes are returning next year.
Bulluck envisions an even faster pace of play and a more confident, cohesive team next season. “We have so many kids who support each other,” he explained. This chemistry, combined with athletic talent, sets the stage for sustained success.
Offseason Focus: Building Confidence and Ball Security
Despite the successes, there’s always room for improvement.
“Our biggest area to improve is ball security and confidence,” Bulluck said. “We’re potentially going to have five or six players who haven’t played varsity before, so they’ll need to adjust to the speed and physicality.”
Building that confidence and minimizing turnovers will be crucial for maintaining the team’s winning ways.
Stats and More
For fans and followers eager to dive deeper into the numbers and game-by-game performances, detailed stats for the 2024-2025 season are available online:
2024-2025 Billings Skyview Boys Basketball Team Stats
Conclusion
The 2025 Skyview High Boys Basketball season was a remarkable journey of growth, determination, and ultimate triumph. Guided by Coach James Bulluck, a team built on versatile stars like Zakai Owens and Tayshaun Williams, resilient role players like Isaac Mosser and Merek Fisher, and driven by a senior class with a championship mindset, overcame challenges and left an indelible mark in the school’s basketball history.
As the program looks ahead, the blend of returning talent and a culture of hard work and unity promises exciting chapters yet to be written. With offseason work on fundamentals and confidence, Skyview basketball is poised to keep its place atop the mountain and continue thrilling fans for years to come.
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