Ryan High School Boys’ Basketball 2025 Winter Recap: Building Through Adversity, Preparing for a Breakthrough
After a successful 20-win campaign in his first year at the helm, Coach LaHaria Bernard and the Ryan High School boys’ basketball team entered the 2024–2025 season with high hopes. But as basketball often teaches, success isn’t always a straight path. This season, the Raiders faced tough competition, growing pains, and the challenges that come with developing a young roster. Despite falling short of a playoff berth, the story of this year’s team is one of resilience, development, and preparation for a promising future.
Key Contributors: Leadership on the Floor
Even in a rebuilding season, standout performances emerged—and none brighter than Kadon Jackson, who proved to be the heartbeat of the team. Jackson led Ryan High in both points and rebounds, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the floor. After earning All-Region honors as a junior, he followed that up with a First Team All-District selection this year, solidifying his role as one of the most consistent and impactful players in the district.
Another standout was Zylan Bernard, a rising sophomore who stepped into a much larger role as the season progressed. Bernard finished the year averaging 10 points and 2.5 blocks per game, while also earning Second Team All-District and Academic All-District honors—a rare combination that speaks to both his on-court talent and discipline in the classroom. His 47% shooting from beyond the arc in district play was a major weapon for the Raiders and a sign of things to come.
Defensively, Grant Boyd made his presence felt with an average of three steals per game, constantly disrupting opposing offenses. Like Bernard, he earned Second Team All-District and Academic All-District recognition, cementing his place as a key two-way contributor.
A Challenging Season, But a Crucial One
Reflecting on the season, Coach Bernard was candid: “It was a very tough season for us this year.” Coming off a 20-win debut season, expectations were high. But with a team filled with players new to the varsity level, consistency and chemistry took time to develop.
While the Raiders didn't make the playoffs, the season was anything but a failure. Many of the contests came down to a possession or two, and the players showed exceptional grit.
“The team was very resilient through a tough season,” Bernard said. Despite the outcomes, most games were decided by one or two possessions. They handled the close losses like true champions and continued to compete until the end.”
In many ways, the adversity faced this season has become the training ground for a more battle-tested, experienced team next year.
Breakout Growth and Development
A key narrative throughout the season was player development. Bernard and his coaching staff watched several young players grow into bigger roles.
Zylan Bernard took major strides, especially with his shooting. His 47% clip from three-point range in district play was not just efficient—it was elite. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim made him a unique threat.
Brandon Hawkins, a member of the Class of 2026, also made a leap, particularly in his offensive rebounding. His energy and hustle on the boards gave the Raiders second-chance opportunities and momentum in critical moments. Coach Bernard expects him to play a major role next season.
Leadership and Legacy: The Senior Class
While the details on this year's senior class were brief, their impact was felt through their commitment to a new program and culture. As Coach Bernard noted, many of the seniors helped usher in a new identity for Ryan basketball—a culture built on grit, discipline, and perseverance.
They may not have finished their careers with a playoff run, but their leadership through a challenging season set the tone for the younger players. They leave behind a program that is poised to grow because of the foundation they helped build.
The Road Ahead: Experience Returns
Looking to next season, the Raiders have every reason to be optimistic. Nine players who played major varsity minutes this year are expected to return, giving Ryan an unusually high level of experience and continuity.
Coach Bernard believes this continuity within the system will be one of the team’s biggest strengths. “We’re returning with nine players who have been part of our new program for two years,” he said. “That experience should allow us to play at a very high level next year.”
The pieces are in place. Key scorers, shooters, defenders, and rebounders are coming back. Most importantly, these players now have the varsity experience and understand what it takes to win at this level.
Offseason Priorities: Sharpening the Edge
While the season may be over, the work is far from done. The Raiders are diving headfirst into offseason preparation, with a clear focus on mental and physical toughness.
A major area of emphasis is three-point shooting, both in volume and efficiency. “We are focusing heavily on our 3-point shooting,” Bernard said. Given Bernard’s emergence as a reliable shooter and the team's returning depth, improving perimeter shooting could be a game-changer next season.
The weight room is also becoming a second home for the players. Competing in every drill, building strength, and improving physicality are now daily expectations. For Coach Bernard, it’s all about creating a team that can not only run and shoot, but also compete with toughness and aggression.
Final Thoughts: A Program on the Rise
It’s easy to measure a season by wins and losses. But for Coach LaHaria Bernard and the Ryan High School Raiders, this year will be remembered for something more valuable: growth under pressure.
Yes, the team missed the playoffs. But what they gained—experience, toughness, leadership, and a stronger foundation—might prove far more valuable next year and beyond. With nine experienced players returning, rising stars stepping up, and a relentless offseason plan already in motion, the Raiders are gearing up for a serious comeback.
For fans of Ryan High basketball, the message is clear: Don’t count this team out. They’re just getting started.
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