Olathe South Boys Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Year of Legacy, Growth, and Future Promise
The 2025 basketball season at Olathe South High School was one marked by milestones, resilience, and the building blocks for the program’s next chapter. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dan Morrow, the Falcons finished 14-8 overall and secured a strong 9-4 record in the ultra-competitive Sunflower League, good enough for a 4th-place finish. Along the way, the team captured the Olathe City Championship, going 4-0 against crosstown rivals, and saw one of its standout seniors etch his name into the school’s record books.
Senior Star Shines: Nic Anderson’s Historic Season
At the center of this year’s success story was Senior Nic Anderson, whose decorated high school career reached new heights during his final season. A three-year starter and letter winner, Anderson was named First Team All-Conference and All-State for the third consecutive year. But beyond the accolades, he made school history in multiple categories.
Anderson became Olathe South’s all-time leading scorer for both single season and career points. He also holds the school records for most field goals made and free throws made, and ranks third all-time in career rebounds. His consistency, versatility, and leadership set the tone on and off the court. His impact was undeniable, not just for the points he scored, but for the confidence he instilled in a relatively young squad.
A Senior Class That Carried the Load
While Anderson rightfully grabbed headlines, he was far from alone. The team’s success was supported by a deep and experienced senior class. Five other seniors contributed as part of a 9-man rotation, making this group one of the most balanced and veteran-led units Coach Morrow has coached.
Drey Steinbacher and JuJu Marks were both named Honorable Mention All-Conference, showcasing their individual impact. Their performances, especially in tight games and key moments, helped the Falcons compete with some of the top programs in the state. Each senior embraced his role, whether it was scoring, defending, or providing energy and focus in practice, and that cohesion translated to success on the court.
“This senior class was huge for us,” said Coach Morrow. “All six guys played in our rotation, and they all had a role and did well in those roles. You can’t ask for more than that.”
Early Struggles, Strong Finish
The Falcons opened the season 1-2, with close losses to Rockhurst and Blue Valley in a tough preseason tournament. But with only one returning starter from the previous season, some growing pains were expected.
“We knew we might take some time to get going,” Coach Morrow said. And get going they did. After the slow start, Olathe South found its rhythm, going on to post its best Sunflower League record in years despite the depth and difficulty of the league this season.
A major highlight came in their sweep of the Olathe schools, culminating in an Olathe City Championship. Even more impressive, three of those four wins came in overtime, showing the team’s ability to respond under pressure.
Development on the Rise: New Contributors Emerge
As the season wore on, several players stepped up and grew into larger roles. Junior point guard Jaxon Chai and senior wing Drey Steinbacher were two of the most notable.
“Jaxon really developed throughout the season,” said Coach Morrow. “He helped share some of the load that Nic had to carry.” As a floor general, Chai’s steady improvement bodes well for next year, when he will likely take on an even more prominent role.
Steinbacher, meanwhile, consistently delivered in big games—particularly during the rivalry matchups that earned the team its city title. Their emergence gave the Falcons a much-needed boost and pointed toward a promising future.
Responding to Pressure and Adversity
One of the strengths of the 2025 squad was its ability to thrive in tight contests. With no major injuries reported throughout the year, the Falcons maintained consistency in their lineup and were battle-tested thanks to multiple overtime victories. The team showed resilience, composure, and toughness—qualities that will serve the younger players well as they step into more significant roles next season.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding with Promise
With the graduation of six seniors—including record-breaker Nic Anderson—the 2026 season will be a rebuilding year in many respects. But there is reason for optimism.
Jaxon Chai returns as the lone starter, and several sophomores who earned valuable minutes this year will be expected to step into bigger roles. Just as encouraging is the program's pipeline of talent: the Freshman A Team went 18-1 and won the Sunflower League title, a strong indication that the Falcons have reinforcements coming.
“There’s a lot to be excited about,” said Coach Morrow. “We’ll lean on our sophomores who gained experience this year, and that freshman group is really promising.”
Offseason Focus: Strength, Chemistry, and Toughness
In preparation for next season, the coaching staff is emphasizing development in several key areas. According to Coach Morrow, the goals are clear: “We need to develop experience, get stronger in the weight room, develop some chemistry among our rotation guys, and continue to be a tough team.”
With new leaders set to emerge and a hunger to prove themselves, the offseason will be a critical period of growth. Building chemistry will be essential, especially as a younger roster looks to fill the leadership void left by the graduating seniors.
Where to Find the Stats
For those interested in reviewing game footage and statistical breakdowns, the team's season data is available via Hudl. Fans, media, or prospective players can also email Coach Morrow directly at dmorrowos@olatheschools.org for access or more information.
A Legacy to Build On
The 2025 Olathe South basketball season will be remembered not only for the wins and the city title but also for the legacy left behind by a remarkable senior class. Nic Anderson’s record-breaking performances will be talked about for years to come, while the grit and growth of the team served as a model for what the program stands for.
As the Falcons turn the page, they do so with optimism and confidence. A talented underclass, a committed coaching staff, and a culture of toughness and accountability are already in place.
The road ahead may present new challenges, but with the foundation laid this season, Olathe South is poised to keep climbing. The Falcons are ready for what’s next.
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