Cardinal Ritter Boys Basketball 2025 Season Recap: Records, Resilience, and a Bright Future
Under the leadership of Head Coach Derrick Williams, the 2025 season for the Cardinal Ritter High School Boys Varsity Basketball team was a historic and inspiring campaign. Finishing with an 18-7 record, the Raiders set a new school record for wins in a season, captured the Indiana Crossroads Conference Championship with a perfect 7-0 conference record, and earned a #12 ranking in Class 2A. While the season ultimately ended in a tough Sectional Championship loss, the accomplishments, player milestones, and lasting impact of the senior class cemented 2025 as one of the most memorable seasons in program history.
Elite Playmaking and Leadership: Nate Smith's Historic Senior Season
The heartbeat of the team was undoubtedly Senior Point Guard Nate Smith, who etched his name into the program’s record books while also earning recognition on a national scale. Smith led the state of Indiana in assists per game and ranked #19 in the nation, averaging 8.6 assists per game. His total of 216 assists in a season and 277 assists in his career are both new school records, as is his single-game high of 18 assists.
But Nate was far more than just a playmaker. He also averaged 11.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game, while boasting an impressive 4:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His on-court leadership and basketball IQ earned him the title of a "coach on the floor" from Coach Williams, and rightfully so.
Off the court, Nate continued to shine, earning Academic All-State honors and being named to the Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis Academic All-Star Team. He has committed to play at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he’s expected to be a major contributor.
Breakout Stars and Rising Talent
While Smith's senior leadership guided the ship, sophomore forward Devin Bolden (Class of 2027) emerged as one of the state’s brightest young stars. Building on his freshman year, Devin elevated every part of his game, averaging 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. His dominant presence inside and improved versatility earned him a spot on the All-State team, 2nd Team All-City, and All-Conference—alongside Nate.
Devin’s growing reputation was reinforced with an invitation to the Futures Game, which features the top 24 players in the classes of 2027 and 2028, as well as the IBCA Top 100 NCAA College Showcase, highlighting him as a future Division I recruit.
Also making a huge impact was 2025 Co-Captain Marshawnn Henderson, who provided critical scoring at key moments. Marshawnn averaged 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting an exceptional 55% from three-point range. His clutch performances, including multiple 20-point games, helped keep the Raiders competitive in tight matchups. Marshawnn will continue his athletic career at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, a respected NAIA powerhouse.
Season Highlights and Turning Points
Though the season ended in heartbreak with a Sectional Championship loss, there was no shortage of memorable moments. The team’s ability to bounce back from an 0-2 start by winning eight straight games revealed their character and resilience.
One of the season’s most thrilling moments came during that streak—a buzzer-beating layup that sealed a comeback win with just six seconds remaining. “We didn't lose more than two games in a row all season,” Coach Williams noted, emphasizing the team’s consistent ability to respond to adversity.
Another highlight was winning the Indiana Crossroads Conference Championship for the second consecutive year, this time going undefeated. That title run, along with advancing to the Sectional final for the second time in three years, defined the team’s excellence and consistency.
Development and Depth
Coach Williams also praised the development of several underclassmen who began to play pivotal roles. 2026 Small Forward Tysen Woods showed flashes of his potential and is expected to be a key player next year. 2026 transfer guard Rylan Coleman and 2027 point guard Bob Montgomery also contributed valuable minutes off the bench, particularly in the backcourt, giving the team depth and balance.
“These young guys gave us meaningful contributions, especially on defense,” said Coach Williams. “They’re going to be major pieces next season.”
A Senior Class That Set the Standard
This year’s senior class brought more than just talent—it brought unmatched leadership and energy. With Nate Smith and Marshawnn Henderson as captains, the Raiders had two of the best guards in the program’s recent history steering the ship.
“They’re the best leaders I’ve had since I took over the program,” Coach Williams shared. “Their work ethic, competitiveness, and ability to elevate their teammates made them irreplaceable.”
Their influence helped change the culture and raise the expectations for future players in the program.
Looking Ahead: Big Goals and a Bigger Future
Despite the graduation of key seniors, the future at Cardinal Ritter looks incredibly promising. 2026 Shooting Guard Cheick Wade is poised to have a breakout senior year. Already regarded as one of the top scoring guards in Indiana, Wade is just 498 points away from reaching 1,000 career points and is being recruited at the Division I level.
Joining him in the hunt for history is Devin Bolden, who is just 286 points away from 1,000 career points, 250 rebounds shy of the program’s rebounding record, and 53 blocks away from the school’s career shot-blocking record—all before entering his junior season.
"For the first time in school history, we have a chance to have two 1,000-point scorers on the same team in the same year," said Coach Williams. “That’s something special.”
Offseason Focus: Strength and Preparation
As the Raiders look to take the next step, the coaching staff is emphasizing one major goal: getting stronger.
“Strength will be key for us next year. It’s going to take real dedication and discipline in the weight room,” said Coach Williams. “If our guys commit to that, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.”
Recognition and Respect
Coach Williams also received individual accolades for his leadership this season, being named City Coach of the Year—a rare honor typically reserved for the coach of the city championship team. This year, coaches from across Indianapolis recognized the exceptional work being done at Cardinal Ritter and broke from a 20+ year tradition to honor Williams.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season at Cardinal Ritter was more than a record-breaking year—it was a testament to what’s possible with commitment, leadership, and belief. From Nate Smith’s jaw-dropping assist totals and Marshawnn Henderson’s clutch shooting, to the emergence of stars like Devin Bolden and the potential of next year’s roster, the Raiders proved they’re a force in Indiana basketball.
With a strong foundation, a talented returning core, and sky-high expectations, the Raiders aren’t just looking to build on a great season—they’re chasing greatness.
Follow Cardinal Ritter’s progress and check out team stats on MaxPreps under Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter Boys Basketball.
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