Mill Creek High School Boys Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Season of Growth, Grit, and Promise
As the 2024–2025 basketball season wrapped up, Mill Creek High School’s boys varsity team showcased a resilient and determined squad that earned its share of hard-fought victories and valuable lessons. Under the guidance of Head Coach Matt Welch, the Hawks improved on last year’s performance, demonstrated strong leadership, and set a foundation for continued success in the seasons ahead.
Key Contributors Who Led the Way
At the heart of Mill Creek’s success this season was a trio of standout players who brought skill, intensity, and leadership to the court.
Braxton Rembert, a junior and the Region 8-AAAAAA Player of the Year, was the team’s statistical leader in nearly every major category. Averaging 14.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 2.7 steals per game, Braxton’s all-around dominance was evident on both ends of the floor. Coach Welch lauded his relentless effort and exemplary representation of the program, saying, “He plays extremely hard on both sides of the floor and did a great job representing our program both on and off the court.”
Senior Nick Lolli, an All-Region selection, served as the team’s second-leading scorer with 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Known for his clutch shooting, Nick was often the difference-maker in tight games, consistently stepping up when the pressure was highest.
Rounding out the core leadership was senior Bryce Barracliff, a key member of the All-Region Defensive Team. Playing point guard and serving as the team’s “court general,” Bryce controlled the pace of the game and delivered timely scoring when the team needed it most, averaging 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds.
A Season Marked by Progress and Competitive Spirit
Coach Welch described this season as a “good bounce-back” from the previous year. Finishing second in the region regular season with an 8-4 record, the Hawks secured a spot in the state playoffs and nearly pulled off a first-round upset against top-seeded Westlake in a nail-biting finish. Their final overall record stood at 16-12, reflecting a team capable of competing at a high level and pushing some of the best squads in the state to the limit.
The season was a rollercoaster of close contests. Remarkably, 14 games were decided in the final two possessions, highlighting the team’s ability to execute under pressure. Coach Welch noted, “The ability to win close games and execute late was often the deciding factor in our season.”
Academic Excellence: A Point of Pride
Beyond the hardwood, Mill Creek’s players excelled in the classroom. Coach Welch expressed immense pride in his team’s 3.58 cumulative team GPA, underscoring that academic achievement was the program’s number one goal.
“It is our #1 goal, and I’m very proud of all the hard work my guys put in to accomplish this,” he said. This commitment to balancing athletics and academics speaks volumes about the character and discipline cultivated within the program.
Player Development: Young Talent Stepping Up
While the senior leaders were instrumental in steering the team, several younger players made significant strides over the course of the season.
Coach Welch highlighted the impressive growth of sophomore Bryce Jenkins, junior Landon Williams, and senior Braylon Taylor. Despite limited varsity experience, these players stepped into critical roles and contributed meaningfully on both ends of the court.
“It was fun to watch their development,” said Coach Welch, emphasizing the bright future these athletes represent for Mill Creek basketball.
Overcoming Adversity: Mental Toughness on Display
The season was not without its challenges. The team had to overcome several preseason and in-season injuries, testing their resilience and adaptability. These setbacks, rather than weakening the squad, fostered greater mental toughness and team unity.
Coach Welch noted, “Overcoming adversity certainly helped strengthen our mental toughness,” a vital trait for any team aspiring to reach higher levels of competition.
Senior Leadership: Setting the Culture
The six seniors on this year’s roster left an indelible mark on the Mill Creek program. Each brought unique qualities that helped shape the team’s culture and competitive mindset.
“Their leadership, dedication, and relentlessness helped push our program forward,” Coach Welch shared. “We are a better program because of their contributions.”
This leadership ensured that the Hawks not only competed hard on the court but also embraced values of discipline, work ethic, and teamwork—building blocks for sustained success.
Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Future
With the seniors graduating, Coach Welch’s focus turns toward the development of younger players who will assume greater responsibilities moving forward.
“I am really excited about some of our young guys who will be moving into more extensive roles this summer and next season,” he said. “They were part of the team this year and worked extremely hard to get better every day.”
This optimism reflects a program on the rise, ready to leverage its experience and youthful talent to compete for region titles and deeper playoff runs in the coming years.
Offseason Goals: Building for Greatness
The offseason is a crucial time for growth, and Coach Welch outlined clear priorities for the team’s preparation.
“We always strive to get bigger, faster, and stronger every season. That work is always ongoing,” he explained.
Beyond physical conditioning, he stressed the importance of improving team chemistry and elevating both offensive and defensive play. “We must continue to work hard and be relentless in our pursuit of greatness,” Coach Welch emphasized. “If that continues to be our mindset and we stay hungry and coachable, the future will be a lot of fun.”
Where to Find the Stats
For fans and followers eager to track the Hawks’ progress, Coach Welch noted that statistics can be found on MaxPreps, providing detailed game-by-game data for those interested in the team’s performance metrics.
Conclusion: A Season to Build Upon
The 2025 winter season for Mill Creek High School’s boys basketball team was defined by strong leadership, clutch performances, and meaningful growth. Braxton Rembert’s standout play earned him Player of the Year honors, while seniors Nick Lolli and Bryce Barracliff provided the veteran savvy and toughness needed in close contests. Meanwhile, emerging players like Bryce Jenkins and Landon Williams offered a glimpse of an exciting future.
Coach Matt Welch’s emphasis on academics, mental toughness, and continuous improvement has set a strong foundation for years to come. The Hawks have demonstrated that with dedication, resilience, and teamwork, they can compete with the best and keep the program moving forward.
As the offseason begins, the Mill Creek basketball family looks ahead with anticipation, ready to build on their success and chase even greater heights. The future is bright for this talented and hardworking group, and the coming seasons promise to bring even more thrilling moments and achievements for Hawks fans to celebrate.
Share With