The 2025–26 basketball season in West Michigan is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with veteran leaders returning, talented newcomers emerging, and several programs poised to take major steps forward. Muskegon looks to build on last year’s dominant run, while Mona Shores and Reeths-Puffer aim to convert growing chemistry into consistent success. Fruitport enters the season hungry to follow up its historic championship year, Spring Lake returns a deep and experienced roster ready for another strong campaign, and Western Michigan Christian brings a competitive, team-first mentality into a challenging schedule. With high expectations and rising talent across the area, this winter promises competitive matchups, breakout performers, and compelling storylines from start to finish.
MUSKEGON BIG REDS – OK Green
Muskegon continues to be one of the state’s most consistent and respected boys basketball programs. Coming off a dominant 20–3 season and an undefeated OK Green title run, the Big Reds enter 2025–26 with championship expectations. Their trademark physical defense, deep roster athleticism, and transition scoring will once again define their identity.
MONA SHORES SAILORS – OK Green
The Sailors enter the season with a renewed identity under a new coaching staff which includes TJ Meerman. The emphasis is on growth, connection, and developing a unified system built on effort and trust. While last year’s record doesn’t reflect their potential, the staff expects significant improvement as the year progresses.
Returning Players
A senior-heavy group brings leadership and experience:
- Milo Barangan (6’5″) – Most varsity experience and production
- Ryan Opsommer (6’2″) – Most varsity experience and production
- Cam Smith (5’10”)
- Travy Frederick (6’1″)
New/Upcoming Players
The staff will rely on development from juniors and a strong sophomore group, all adapting to a new system. Leadership by committee is expected to guide the team’s improvement.
Season Outlook
Early chemistry and work ethic have impressed the coaches. While December may bring growing pains, expect Mona Shores to be a much different team by January and even more dangerous by February. Their goal: compete nightly in a loaded OK Green and peak at the right time.
FRUITPORT TROJANS – Ok Silver
Fruitport is coming off a historic year, capturing its first conference championship in program history. With four returning starters and a deeper roster, expectations are even higher in 2025–26 as the Trojans chase both a repeat title and a long-awaited district championship.
Returning Players
- DayDay Williams (SR, G) – 13.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.8 apg; 2× All-Conference
- Dexter Lillmars (SOPH, G) – 15.6 ppg; school-record 70 threes; All-Conference
- Hudson Hazekamp (JR, G/F) – 10.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg
- Trevor Rusnak (SR, F) – Versatile scorer; vocal leader
- Brady Hanson (JR, G) – Former 6th man; expected starting PG
New/Upcoming Players
- Garrett Olson (FR, 6’5″) – High-level AAU athlete; varsity ready
- David Johnson-Jimenez (SR, F) – Tough, physical, team-first competitor
Season Outlook
Fruitport has one of the highest ceilings in the OK Silver. Leadership, chemistry, and role acceptance will determine just how far they go. They open with a marquee matchup at WMC (Dec. 2), followed by a challenging non-conference schedule including Cedar Springs, Mona Shores, Spring Lake, and defending D4 state champion Tri-Unity Christian.
REETHS-PUFFER ROCKETS – OK Green
Reeths-Puffer enters the 2025–26 season focused on growth, resilience, and raising the competitive standard within a challenging OK Green. Despite last year’s record, the Rockets showed flashes of strong defensive play and developing offensive identity, giving the program positive momentum heading into the new campaign. With a year of experience under their belt and a deeper understanding of what it takes to compete in one of West Michigan’s toughest conferences, the Rockets aim to take a significant step forward.
SPRING LAKE LAKERS – OK Black
The Lakers enter the season with a seasoned roster, a physical defensive identity, and depth across the board. Under Coach Bill Core, now in his 25th year, the program has captured 9 of the past 12 district championships and is determined to chase a four-peat this year. With eight key contributors returning and a strong senior class leading the charge, the Lakers are poised to contend once again.
Returning Players
- Aiden Ayers (SR, G) – 5.8 ppg; elite shooter
- Maddox Kipling (SR, F) – Stretch forward; inside-out scoring
- Landon O’Donnell (SR, F) – Tough, physical defender
- Jack Brown (SR,PG) – Good floor manager and excellent passer
- Max Feltner (SR, C) – Best inside player and physical presence
- Kashton George (SR,F) – 3pt shooter
- Vaughan White (SR, PG) – Very quick and plays both ends of the court
- Jacob Ayers (SO,G) – Solid all around game
New/Upcoming Players
- Tyler Hardy (JR,F) – Inside/outside forward
- Krew Isard (JR,G) – High IQ guard
- John Woesthoff (SO,F) – Strong two-way forward
- Jayson Stegeman (SO,F) – Developing post player
Season Outlook
Spring Lake expects to compete at the top of the OK Black and challenge for a district title. Experience, depth, and size are major strengths. The Lakers, who have won 9 of the last 12 district championships, are well positioned for another postseason push.
WESTERN MICHIGAN CHRISTIAN WARRIORS – Alliance League
Western Michigan Christian looks to build on a strong 14–9 campaign with a competitive group of kids who love to play the game of basketball. Coach Matt Haveman’s team emphasizes unselfish, team-first play and will be tested by one of the area’s toughest schedules, opening against Fruitport and closing the regular season at Van Andel Arena versus Allendale.
Returning Players
- Tyson Annema – PG (Captain)
- Jakin Doornbos – F
- Zach Weare – G (Captain)
- Gavriel Modderman – G
- Quint Menefee – PG
- Luke Proctor – F (Captain)
Incoming Players
- Lucas Weare-(JR.)
- Seth Moorehead -(JR.)
- Brody Haveman -(JR.)
- Braeden Olsen -(JR.)
- Juan DeJonge -(JR.)
- Luke Visser -(JR.)
- Brendan Tyler -(JR.)
Season Outlook
Coach Haveman believes this group has elite potential if they commit daily to selfless, high-effort basketball. “If this team works hard every day and buys into WE NOT ME, the sky’s the limit.”
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