Fitzgerald Basketball Reaches New Heights Under Coach Jordan: A 2025 Winter Season Recap
The 2025 winter basketball season was one to remember for Warren Fitzgerald High School, as Coach Venias Jordan and his squad delivered a standout year filled with milestones, dominant performances, and promising glimpses into the future of the program. With a 20-3 overall record and a league/division championship, the Spartans made a bold statement: they are not just competitors — they are contenders.
Led by a senior class that set the gold standard in terms of leadership and work ethic, Fitzgerald redefined its expectations and identity. With a culture built on accountability, energy, and elite effort, this year’s team laid the groundwork for a strong future while simultaneously setting a high bar for excellence.
Star Power and Senior Leadership
At the heart of Fitzgerald’s success were its key contributors, headlined by senior Cyrus Mpeba. Averaging 20 points per game and five rebounds, Mpeba was the team’s offensive anchor and emotional leader. His relentless work ethic and commitment on and off the court established a tone that elevated the entire roster.
“Cyrus was a phenomenal leader by example,” Coach Jordan said. “He set the culture in our program with his work ethic and character.”
Mpeba’s next chapter will take him to Grand Valley State University, where he’ll continue his basketball journey at the collegiate level — a testament to his talent and discipline.
Joining Mpeba as a senior standout was LyDell Sewell, a player known as much for his consistency as his heart. Averaging 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals per game, Sewell brought intangibles that are difficult to quantify but impossible to ignore.
“LyDell never took a day off, never made excuses, and got better and better as the year went on,” Jordan shared. Sewell will head to Heidelberg University, continuing a basketball career built on passion and perseverance.
On the defensive end, Keandre Burtin made his presence felt every game. With 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, Burtin was a force in the paint and the team’s most consistent defender. His physicality, timing, and rebounding prowess helped stabilize Fitzgerald’s defense and secure crucial possessions.
A Season to Celebrate
The Spartans finished the season with a 20-3 record, winning their league/division title and establishing themselves as one of the top programs in their area. The highlight? A season-long demonstration of consistency and cohesion.
“The defining moment for us wasn’t one single game,” said Coach Jordan. “It was the fact that we kept winning consistently. That was what truly shaped our season and set us up for continued success.”
Even though the team fell short in the district semi-final, their strong performance throughout the regular season makes it clear the program is on an upward trajectory. As Jordan put it, the next logical step is clear: advance beyond the district level next year.
Emerging Talent and Player Development
While the seniors rightly garnered much of the spotlight, the growth of younger players was also a major storyline this season. Chief among them was Quenten Graham, who transformed from a role player into a trusted contributor. Averaging 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, Graham showed significant improvement as the season progressed.
“We’re looking for a breakout year from Quenten next season,” Coach Jordan said. “His development was one of the most encouraging parts of the year.”
Other key contributors included Marcellus Phelps, who averaged 8 points and 2 steals, and offered a dynamic presence on both ends of the court. Phelps’s hustle and instincts added depth and grit to Fitzgerald’s backcourt.
Handling Pressure and Adversity
While every season comes with its challenges — whether from injuries, slumps, or tough opponents — Coach Jordan emphasized that this group handled adversity with maturity and composure, largely due to their senior leadership.
“They responded well all year to everything,” he said. “That’s what happens when your upperclassmen take ownership of the team and lead by example.”
This steady presence helped Fitzgerald stay composed in tight games, bounce back from rare losses, and remain focused on their broader goals.
Legacy of the Senior Class
This senior group left an indelible mark on the program. Their impact extended beyond the box scores and into the very DNA of Fitzgerald basketball. They built a culture of discipline, sacrifice, and excellence.
“This group brought everything,” Jordan said. “They were phenomenal leaders, hard workers, and held themselves and their teammates accountable. Most importantly, they cared deeply about winning.”
Their departure leaves big shoes to fill—but also a clear roadmap for what it takes to succeed at Fitzgerald.
Bright Future Ahead
The excitement is palpable when talking about the players returning next season. For Coach Jordan, the biggest asset going forward is the experience and insight these returners now possess.
“It’s exciting to be bringing back players who now know what it takes to be successful,” he explained. “They’ve seen it, they’ve lived it, and they’re ready to take the next step.”
With players like Graham and Phelps stepping into leadership roles, along with new talent moving up from a strong JV squad, the Spartans are positioned to maintain their high standards — and possibly exceed them.
Offseason Goals and Program Growth
The offseason will be critical for Fitzgerald as they look to add depth and improve their perimeter shooting. Coach Jordan specifically mentioned the need to find “guys that can really make shots from behind the three-point line,” a key area of focus for the team’s offseason training and recruitment from within.
With a strong foundation, a winning culture, and motivated returners, the pieces are in place for another successful run in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season was a resounding success for the Fitzgerald Spartans. With 20 wins, a league championship, and the continued rise of a respected program, Coach Venias Jordan and his players have plenty to celebrate — and even more to look forward to.
Through strong leadership, resilience, and a relentless drive to improve, Fitzgerald basketball has cemented itself as a program on the rise. The next chapter is already being written — and if this season is any indication, it’s going to be a thrilling ride.
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