Willis High School Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: Coach Wayne Ware Reflects on a Breakthrough Year
The 2024-25 basketball season at Willis High School marked a pivotal chapter for the Wildkats under the guidance of Head Coach Wayne Ware. After a slow start, the team rallied to capture the program’s first-ever 6A playoff win, secure an area championship, and advance to the regional round — milestones that underscore a season of growth, resilience, and determination.
We sat down with Coach Ware to gain insights into what made this season memorable, key players who made a difference, and what the future holds for Willis basketball.
Key Contributors: A Team Effort Powered by Leadership and Grit
Coach Ware highlighted several players who were instrumental to the team’s success this season.
Leading the charge was Shawndrick Young, who dominated the boards and scoring columns, earning the prestigious title of Co-MVP in District 13- 6A. Young’s presence on both ends of the floor gave the Wildkats a formidable foundation.
At point guard, Tyshon Nixon, a former football player, seamlessly transitioned to orchestrating the offense. His leadership from the PG position allowed the team to control tempo and execute under pressure.
Chandler Beasley provided a clutch shooting touch, hitting several crucial three-pointers in playoff games. Beyond his scoring, Beasley’s vocal leadership helped keep the team focused and united, leading by example both on and off the court.
Rondell Lewis, a transfer from a smaller 3A school, showcased tremendous determination on the boards. His unselfish style and rebounding hustle were especially vital during district play, where second and third-chance points proved decisive.
Lastly, Jackson Day overcame a foot injury to return at the most critical juncture of the season. His timely plays during the playoffs helped ignite the team’s momentum and pace.
A Season of Growth: From Slow Start to Playoff Breakthrough
The Wildkats’ season didn’t start as smoothly as hoped, with early struggles setting a challenging tone. But as Coach Ware explained, the team “found our groove during the second half of district play,” setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround.
Highlights from the season include Willis High School’s first-ever 6A playoff win, an area championship victory, and advancing all the way to the regional round of the playoffs. These accomplishments signaled the program’s upward trajectory and demonstrated the team’s ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
“Overall, I believe we accomplished several goals, and the WHS Basketball team had a really good season,” Ware affirmed.
Defining Moment: The Home Game Against Conroe
Coach Ware identified a critical turning point for the Wildkats: their home matchup against Conroe.
“Conroe beat us the first time we played them,” he recalled. That loss was a wake-up call for the team. The defeat refocused the players’ determination and commitment to playing better basketball.
The rematch at home served as a catalyst for the team’s late-season surge. From that game on, “our momentum was really high for the remainder of the season,” Ware said.
Player Development: Growth That Fueled Success
While several players made key contributions, one in particular showed remarkable growth over the season.
Rondell Lewis, who transferred from a smaller 3A school to compete in the highly competitive 6A district, adapted quickly to new roles. Playing both the power forward and center positions (the 4 and 5), Lewis’ rebounding and physicality gave Willis an edge on the glass.
His ability to secure second and third-chance opportunities directly translated to additional points and momentum for the Wildkats, proving vital in close games.
Responding to Adversity: Rising From the Conroe Loss
The team’s response to adversity was another highlight of the season.
“We responded well after the loss to Conroe,” Ware noted. “Our kids came back from Christmas Break with a more driven mindset.”
That loss had put the team in a precarious position regarding playoff qualification, effectively leaving “little room for error” the rest of the season.
Yet instead of faltering under pressure, the Wildkats embraced the challenge and rallied to secure their playoff spot — a testament to their resilience and the coach’s leadership.
The Impact of the Senior Class
The 2024-25 senior class did more than just provide leadership — they changed the culture of the program.
“These seniors understood how the game is to be played,” said Coach Ware. “After the Conroe loss, their mindset changed, and that is when our program changed.”
This shift in mentality not only propelled the team forward during the season’s critical stretch but also set a standard for future Wildkats teams to emulate.
Looking Ahead: Excited for Depth, Experience, and Returning Players
As the 2025-26 season approaches, Coach Ware is optimistic about the future.
“What excites me most is our returning nucleus of players, playoff experience, and having more depth,” he said.
This blend of experience and growing talent gives the Wildkats a strong foundation to build upon, fueling hopes for continued success and deeper playoff runs.
Offseason Focus: Rebounding, Roles, and Strength Training
Coach Ware outlined clear priorities for the offseason to continue elevating the program.
“Our biggest improvement needs to come in having more kids get over 100 rebounds,” he explained. Improving rebounding will enhance second-chance opportunities and defensive stops, key factors in tight contests.
Additionally, “bench players must understand their role.” This focus on role clarity will improve team chemistry and allow starters to rely on the bench for valuable minutes without losing intensity or cohesion.
Finally, strength and conditioning in the weight room will be emphasized, building the physical foundation to compete in a tough 6A district.
Where to Follow the Wildkats
Fans and followers can keep up with Willis High School basketball stats and updates through MaxPreps, a comprehensive resource for high school sports.
Final Reflections: A Season to Remember and a Bright Future Ahead
Coach Wayne Ware’s first season recap reveals a program on the rise, propelled by leadership, hard work, and a refusal to be defined by early setbacks. From key contributors like Shawndrick Young and Tyshon Nixon to the growth of players like Rondell Lewis and Jackson Day, the team’s collective effort was impressive.
That signature playoff win and area championship mark historic milestones for Willis basketball and lay a foundation for future teams to build on.
As offseason work begins with an emphasis on rebounding, role definition, and strength, the Wildkats are poised to come back stronger and more competitive in 2025-26.
For Willis High School and its basketball program, the 2024-25 winter season was not just about wins and losses — it was about growth, resilience, and setting new standards. With a solid core of returning players and a renewed mindset, the Wildkats are ready to chase greater heights in the seasons to come.
, Lewis’ rebounding and physicality gave Willis an edge on the glass.
His ability to secure second and third-chance opportunities directly translated to additional points and momentum for the Wildkats, proving vital in close games.
Responding to Adversity: Rising From the Conroe Loss
The team’s response to adversity was another highlight of the season.
“We responded well after the loss to Conroe,” Ware noted. “Our kids came back from Christmas Break with a more driven mindset.”
That loss had put the team in a precarious position regarding playoff qualification, effectively leaving “little room for error” the rest of the season.
Yet instead of faltering under pressure, the Wildkats embraced the challenge and rallied to secure their playoff spot — a testament to their resilience and the coach’s leadership.
The Impact of the Senior Class
The 2024-25 senior class did more than just provide leadership — they changed the culture of the program.
“These seniors understood how the game is to be played,” said Coach Ware. “After the Conroe loss, their mindset changed, and that is when our program changed.”
This shift in mentality not only propelled the team forward during the season’s critical stretch but also set a standard for future Wildkats teams to emulate.
Looking Ahead: Excited for Depth, Experience, and Returning Players
As the 2025-26 season approaches, Coach Ware is optimistic about the future.
“What excites me most is our returning nucleus of players, playoff experience, and having more depth,” he said.
This blend of experience and growing talent gives the Wildkats a strong foundation to build upon, fueling hopes for continued success and deeper playoff runs.
Offseason Focus: Rebounding, Roles, and Strength Training
Coach Ware outlined clear priorities for the offseason to continue elevating the program.
“Our biggest improvement needs to come in having more kids get over 100 rebounds,” he explained. Improving rebounding will enhance second-chance opportunities and defensive stops, key factors in tight contests.
Additionally, “bench players must understand their role.” This focus on role clarity will improve team chemistry and allow starters to rely on the bench for valuable minutes without losing intensity or cohesion.
Finally, strength and conditioning in the weight room will be emphasized, building the physical foundation to compete in a tough 6A district.
Where to Follow the Wildkats
Fans and followers can keep up with Willis High School basketball stats and updates through MaxPreps, a comprehensive resource for high school sports.
Final Reflections: A Season to Remember and a Bright Future Ahead
Coach Wayne Ware’s first season recap reveals a program on the rise, propelled by leadership, hard work, and a refusal to be defined by early setbacks. From key contributors like Shawndrick Young and Tyshon Nixon to the growth of players like Rondell Lewis and Jackson Day, the team’s collective effort was impressive.
That signature playoff win and area championship mark historic milestones for Willis basketball and lay a foundation for future teams to build on.
As offseason work begins with an emphasis on rebounding, role definition, and strength, the Wildkats are poised to come back stronger and more competitive in 2025-26.
For Willis High School and its basketball program, the 2024-25 winter season was not just about wins and losses — it was about growth, resilience, and setting new standards. With a solid core of returning players and a renewed mindset, the Wildkats are ready to chase greater heights in the seasons to come.)
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