From 0-6 to District Champs: The Resilient Rise of Klein Collins Boys Basketball in 2025
In the world of high school sports, the true test of a team isn’t just found in the wins—it’s found in the adversity. For the Klein Collins High School Boys Basketball team, the 2025 season was nothing short of remarkable. What began with uncertainty and growing pains evolved into one of the program’s most memorable campaigns, marked by heart, hustle, and a district championship.
We spoke with Head Coach Scott Harmatuk as part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Series, and he reflected on a season that was shaped by belief, perseverance, and a commitment to team-first basketball.
A Team Rebuilt from the Ground Up
Every good story starts with a challenge, and for this year’s Klein Collins squad, the opening chapter was steep. The Tigers began the season with a 0-6 record, navigating a new lineup where only one varsity player returned: Braydon Schoggin. But that slow start became the foundation for a bigger story—one about buying into a system, trusting the process, and coming together as a unit.
“Really the whole starting five played a huge role this season,” Coach Harmatuk shared. “Braydon Schoggin was our MVP, but every player stepped up in a major way.”
Schoggin's leadership was crucial—not just in stats, but in steadiness. As the lone varsity veteran, he provided a blueprint for the rest of the team, guiding them through unfamiliar waters with maturity and consistency. The new starters followed suit, embracing their roles and rising to the occasion.
Turning the Corner: From Struggles to Success
Though the team stumbled early, there was never a sense of panic. Coach Harmatuk credits the character of his players for weathering the storm and refusing to quit.
“This was an amazing season,” he said. “We started 0-6, but the guys stayed the course and bought into the system and their roles. It was a great group of student-athletes.”
Their perseverance paid off. The Tigers didn't just recover—they surged, finishing the season with a 13-3 district record and securing a district championship. It was a stunning turnaround that spoke volumes about their unity, resilience, and belief in one another.
Emerging Stars and Player Development
As the season wore on, several players grew into major contributors and revealed the depth of talent on the roster. Coach Harmatuk was quick to highlight the strides made by Aidan Burns, I'Veon McKenzie, Elijah Boyd, and Payton Harrison.
“These guys really developed into bigger roles,” he said. “They worked hard, embraced the team culture, and made their presence felt in big moments.”
Each of these players brought something unique to the table—whether it was clutch shooting, tough defense, rebounding, or facilitating the offense. Their emergence didn’t just help turn around the season; it ensured that Klein Collins had a complete, balanced team capable of competing at a high level.
The Senior Legacy: More Than Just Basketball
Much of the Tigers’ success this year can be traced back to the character of the senior class. More than just athletes, these seniors were role models and culture setters, bringing values that elevated the program beyond the hardwood.
“They brought class, dignity, self-awareness, and respect,” Coach Harmatuk emphasized. “It was just an amazingly fun year, and those seniors led the way.”
Their leadership helped shape a team identity rooted in togetherness and accountability. The lessons they leave behind—about doing things the right way, showing up every day, and putting the team first—will continue to influence the program long after they’ve graduated.
Handling Adversity with Poise
Great teams don’t just win—they grow through challenges. From the opening 0-6 streak to tough in-game moments and lineup changes, the Tigers proved time and again that they had the mental fortitude to stay focused and push forward.
“We handled pressure situations amazingly,” said Harmatuk. “All new players, tough losses early, and still we pulled together to win the district.”
That kind of mental toughness isn’t taught overnight—it’s forged through shared struggle and belief. The 2025 Tigers didn’t shy away from adversity; they used it as fuel.
Looking Ahead: Bright Future on the Horizon
With a strong core of returning players and a culture that rewards effort and buy-in, the future of the Klein Collins program looks extremely bright. Coach Harmatuk is particularly excited about the growth and competitive spirit of his younger players.
“What excites me most is just how they compete and get better every day,” he said. “They’re a joy to be around.”
One of the key focuses for the offseason is player development, especially getting the younger athletes to step into leadership and production roles. Just as this year’s newcomers did, the next wave will be expected to rise up and continue the standard of excellence.
“We’re looking to have some of the young guys step up like these guys did this year and accept their roles,” Harmatuk noted.
A Culture of Growth and Joy
While the stat sheets—available on MaxPreps and Hudl—tell part of the story, the heart of this team can’t be quantified. What made the 2025 Klein Collins season so special wasn’t just the comeback or the title. It was the joy that defined each practice, each game, and each moment shared between teammates and coaches.
This team wasn’t just a group of players—they were a family. And as Coach Harmatuk described it, they made the season one to remember.
Conclusion: From Struggle to Standard
In a season that started with question marks and ended with hardware, the Klein Collins boys basketball team rewrote what it means to be a team. Through hard work, humility, and heart, they turned an uncertain beginning into a celebration of resilience and growth.
Coach Harmatuk and his staff cultivated more than a winning season—they built a foundation for lasting success, rooted in values that will carry through for years to come.
As the final buzzer sounds on the 2025 season, one thing is certain: the Tigers are no longer just rebuilding—they’re setting the standard.
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