Building Foundations: Wenatchee High School Basketball’s 2025 Winter Season Recap
The 2025 winter season for the Wenatchee High School basketball team was about more than just wins and losses. It was a pivotal year of building character, resilience, and a team identity that extends beyond the court. Head Coach Ambrose Bessette reflected on a season filled with challenges, growth, and the promise of a bright future, as the program continues to take shape under his leadership.
Key Contributors: The Core of the Team
Every successful basketball team relies on key contributors who bring unique strengths and energy to the floor, and Wenatchee was no exception. Coach Bessette identified several standout players who shaped the season through their individual impact:
Mason Hamon brought toughness and camaraderie, serving as the emotional backbone of the team. His grit and team spirit galvanized his teammates, reinforcing a culture of unity.
Connor Cass was the team’s presence in the middle, anchoring the defense and providing stability in the paint.
Ryder Wray emerged as a prolific scorer, consistently putting points on the board and creating offensive opportunities.
Travis Torres was described as “a really great player,” contributing skill and leadership on both ends of the court.
Together, these players laid the groundwork for the team’s evolving identity and success.
Season Overview: More Than Just a Record
Coach Bessette described the season as a foundational year. While the team was still “building toward something bigger than ourselves,” he noted that they were primarily focused on establishing core values that would sustain the program long-term.
“This season was about building the core values of a team before the general manager sought to go a different direction,” Coach Bessette explained, hinting at internal shifts that affected the program’s course.
Despite these changes, the team showed resilience, putting forth strong efforts in big games and continuing to grow together.
Defining Moments and Turning Points
Several games and moments stood out as turning points throughout the season. The very first game provided an early boost, thanks in large part to Luke Hunsaker’s offensive spark during a back-and-forth battle. His contributions helped Wenatchee seize momentum and carry it through to the finish.
Another highlight came late in the year with a big win against Eastmont, underscoring the team’s capacity to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Coach Bessette pinpointed the day after Christmas as a critical turning point. “Up to that point, we were putting in work and getting better as a team,” he said. That dedication would become a springboard for the rest of the season, reinforcing the importance of steady progress and teamwork.
Players Growing Into Bigger Roles
Growth and development were a theme throughout the season, as many players took on expanded responsibilities:
Connor Cass and Mason Hamon continued their upward trajectories, developing into dependable pillars of the team.
The return of Owen Harle from an ankle injury provided a significant defensive boost, helping to shore up the team’s interior presence.
Colt Flatness earned a starting role through hard work and determination, embodying the team’s ethos of effort and perseverance.
Coach Bessette also pointed to the promising growth of the junior varsity squad. Players like Tommy Mathison, Jack Allen, and Matt Wilson showed significant development throughout the season, signaling a healthy pipeline of talent for the future.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many teams, Wenatchee faced its share of hurdles, including player transfers and injuries that tested the squad’s depth and resolve.
“Some players transferred out, so it was tough to fill those roles, but it was overall a good building experience,” Coach Bessette reflected.
Injuries also took a toll, with players like Finn Mathison, Thomas Ivey, and Owen Harle battling to stay healthy. Nevertheless, their dedication never wavered—they continued to show up at practice, contribute valuable input, and support their teammates, demonstrating the kind of commitment that defines a strong team culture.
The Impact of the Senior Class
Leadership from the senior class was a bright spot in the 2025 season. Coach Bessette praised seniors Owen Ervin, Finn Mathison, Luke Hunsaker, James Butler, and Thomas Ivey for the energy and focus they brought to the program.
“These guys are a special group,” said the coach. “Not many student-athletes show more character and pride for their school than those guys.”
Their influence extended beyond basketball, as some also played integral roles on the baseball team, further highlighting their leadership qualities and commitment to Wenatchee athletics.
Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Future
With a strong foundation in place, Coach Bessette is optimistic about the future of Wenatchee basketball. He looks forward to the returning players continuing the momentum they’ve built.
“I expect those returning players to carry on what we started to build,” he said, emphasizing the importance of continuity and development.
The coach also anticipates further growth as younger players move up and the program gains traction.
Offseason Focus: Hard Work Never Stops
Offseason preparation is a critical component of sustained success. Coach Bessette detailed a busy offseason schedule filled with summer league games, open gyms, and tournaments.
“Last year we hit four tournaments and had open gym three times a week,” he noted. “I’ve already seen some guys putting in work at Pioneer Gym.”
This commitment to offseason training is vital for skill development, conditioning, and team chemistry. It also sets the stage for improvements in key areas during the next season.
Accessing Stats and Following the Team
For fans and supporters eager to track the team’s progress, Wenatchee’s stats and game footage are available on Hudl, a platform commonly used by high school sports programs. Additionally, those interested can reach out to the team’s unofficial general manager, who works in the school building, for more information.
Conclusion: Building a Lasting Program
Wenatchee High School’s 2025 winter basketball season was a year of building—building character, building resilience, and building a program with a vision. Under Coach Ambrose Bessette’s leadership, the team navigated challenges with determination, developed young talent, and laid a foundation for future success.
While the season might not have been defined solely by wins, the lessons learned and relationships forged are invaluable. With a dedicated group of players and a coach committed to growth, Wenatchee basketball is poised for exciting seasons ahead.
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