Waverly/South Shore Boys Basketball: A Season of Growth, Grit, and Gritty Determination
The 2025 winter basketball season for the Waverly/South Shore Varsity Boys team was more than just a series of games—it was a season defined by growth, resilience, and a collective pursuit of excellence. Under the guidance of Head Coach Austin Appelhof, the team defied expectations, surged through the playoffs, and came within one win of a state tournament appearance, falling just short in a dramatic state qualifier against a team that would go on to place third in the state.
Despite the heartbreaking end, the season was nothing short of remarkable and promising.
Veteran Leadership Drives Success
At the heart of the team’s success this year were two key seniors: Sam Appelhof and Zach Ries. Sam, a senior guard/forward and the coach’s younger brother, led the team in almost every statistical category and set the tone with his leadership both on and off the court. He was the consistent force for Waverly/South Shore throughout the year—reliable, composed, and always ready to deliver in big moments.
On the defensive end, fellow senior Zach Ries played a crucial role. As the team’s anchor, Zach took on the responsibility of guarding the opposing teams’ top scorers each night, bringing an intensity and physicality that allowed others to shine offensively. His commitment to the tough assignments and selfless attitude made a lasting impact.
A Season of Steady Growth
Coach Appelhof described the season as one of steady and encouraging progress. “Our team grew together and got better every game,” he said. Though the team wasn’t highly ranked entering the season, their resilience and belief in each other carried them further than many expected. Their playoff run was fueled not by hype or headlines, but by cohesion, discipline, and heart.
This was especially evident in their second-round regional playoff game—a defining moment of the season. Coach Appelhof recalled it as the best performance he had ever witnessed from the group. “All players were engaged and played with confidence,” he said. “Our awesome fans gave the players tons of energy and belief.” That game became the embodiment of what the team had worked toward all season: intensity, chemistry, and self-belief.
Rising Stars Emerge
While the seniors led the way, several underclassmen stepped up and developed into critical contributors as the season progressed.
One standout was freshman Spencer Ries, who gained confidence with each game and played a vital role in the playoff run. Coach Appelhof sees enormous potential in Spencer, calling him a “special talent” and noting that his growth as a freshman is just the beginning of what’s expected to be a standout career.
Senior point guard Colton Kranz also drew praise for his development into a true floor general. Colton didn’t worry about personal stats—he focused on facilitating the offense, getting his teammates involved, and managing the tempo of the game. His maturity and selflessness were instrumental in the team’s playoff success.
And though not yet a senior, junior forward Kyle Kneeland is already being looked at as next season’s leader. “He’ll take the reins next year as our go-to guy,” said Coach Appelhof, adding that Kyle is more than ready for the challenge.
Battling Through Adversity
As with any great team, Waverly/South Shore had to deal with its share of adversity. Injuries, tough losses, and high-pressure moments all tested the team’s resolve. But according to Coach Appelhof, each challenge was met with the right response: growth.
“Every game, win or lose, we learned more about ourselves,” he said. That mindset paid dividends late in the season, particularly in their playoff push. The lessons learned through adversity forged the character of the team and shaped its identity, one that thrived on teamwork and perseverance.
The Impact of the Senior Class
The 2025 senior class leaves behind a powerful legacy. With four returning starters and additional seniors providing key minutes off the bench, this group brought a rare mix of experience, leadership, and cohesion.
“They showed the younger players what it means to compete, to sacrifice, and to commit to the program,” Coach Appelhof said.
Their presence has laid a solid foundation for the future, mentoring the underclassmen and setting the standard for those who will follow.
The Road Ahead: Bright Future Beckons
Looking forward, there is a lot to be excited about in Waverly/South Shore basketball. With key pieces returning, including the highly promising Kyle Kneeland and the emerging freshman star Spencer Ries, the team is poised to reload rather than rebuild.
Spencer’s strong freshman season has already sparked enthusiasm for what’s to come. He’s expected to take on a more prominent role and continue growing his game under the leadership of returning players and the watchful eye of Coach Appelhof.
Offseason Focus: Sharpening for the Next Step
Though the team has achieved a lot, Coach Appelhof knows there’s always room for improvement. This offseason, the focus will be on continuing player development and building on the team’s chemistry and skill set.
While specific offseason goals weren’t detailed, it’s clear that the staff and returning players will prioritize growth—physically, mentally, and strategically—to make the next leap forward. With a taste of postseason success still fresh, the hunger to go even further is sure to drive their summer and preseason efforts.
Stats & Additional Info
For those interested in diving deeper into the team’s performance and stats from the 2025 season, Coach Appelhof invites people to reach out directly via email at Appelhof22@gmail.com.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember
The 2025 season for Waverly/South Shore was more than just wins and losses—it was a testament to what belief, hard work, and leadership can accomplish. From an underdog start to a nearly historic finish, this team captured the hearts of its community and set a new standard for future seasons.
As the program looks ahead, there’s every reason to believe that this year was just the beginning. With a core of talented returners, a culture of resilience, and a dedicated coaching staff, Waverly/South Shore basketball is on a strong path toward sustained success.
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