At the halfway point of the season, the Star Valley Braves varsity boys basketball team is proving they are more than ready for the challenges ahead. With a preseason record of 3–5, the Braves have faced one of the toughest schedules in the region, traveling across Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming to compete against high-level programs. While the wins and losses may not tell the whole story, one thing is clear: this team is battle-tested, connected, and hungry.
The Braves tipped off their season on December 11 and closed preseason play on January 3, taking on teams like Boise, Thunder Ridge, Columbia, Mountain Crest, and Sky View. They also picked up impressive wins against Kimberly, Sandpoint, and Coeur d’Alene, showing their ability to compete with strong programs. From Idaho Falls to Preston, Idaho, from Mountain Crest, Utah, to the home court in Star Valley, the Braves embraced every road trip and every challenge.
Senior Zack Thompson reflected on the season so far, saying, “I think it’s been good so far. We have played some tough teams and definitely been challenged. It’s been fun hanging out, especially in the hotel rooms on away trips.” That off-court bonding has built chemistry that shows up when the lights are on and the pressure is high.
The leadership on this team runs deep. Team captains Cooper Lancaster and Dylan Shumway set the tone with their work ethic, communication, and accountability. Seniors Lincoln Liddiard, Zack Thompson, Will Linford, Tayt Lawson, and Mason Kleeman bring experience, toughness, and confidence, while juniors CJ Neuenschwander, Beckham Brog, Gabe Delgado, Landon Peterson, Zach Delgado, and Roman Erickson provide energy, depth, and versatility. Sophomore Crew Lancaster continues to develop and gain valuable minutes, showing that the future of Braves basketball is in good hands.
One of the biggest reasons for the Braves’ growth has been their willingness to adjust and improve. Head Coach Matt Shumway has emphasized that the preseason is about learning what works and what doesn’t. “Yes, we have made some adjustments. That is what the preseason is all about… seeing what works, what doesn’t work, what we like but need to tweak a little, as well as what we don’t like and just get rid of altogether. The biggest thing we have been stressing in regards to adjustments is being better with our ball movement and making defenses move,” said Coach Shumway. That focus on ball movement and unselfish play has already started to show, as the Braves continue to become more dangerous offensively.
Behind the scenes, assistant coaches Aaron Lancaster, Mark Hale, and Ben Hale have played a huge role in player development, scouting, and preparation. Practices have been intense, competitive, and detail-oriented, pushing every player to raise their level. The coaching staff’s message has been clear: compete, trust each other, and play the right way.
Another major weapon for the Braves is their bench energy, which has become a true strength. Senior Will Linford didn’t hold back when describing the impact of the bench: “The bench is one of the most important sources of energy our team has. They’re always loud and obnoxious to the other teams. It’s also fun to come out of the game and chat to my buddies on the bench. The bench squad is a bunch of goons.” That energy has helped keep momentum alive, especially in tight games where every possession matters.
The Braves’ schedule was no accident. This team chose to test themselves early against tough competition to prepare for what they will see later in regionals and state tournaments. While the preseason record may not be perfect, the experience gained from playing elite teams has built confidence, toughness, and resilience. These games forced the Braves to grow up fast, adjust on the fly, and learn how to compete when things don’t go their way.
Now, all eyes turn to the upcoming home matchups against Natrona County on January 16 and Kelly Walsh on January 17. Both games will be played on the Braves’ home court in Star Valley, and both are expected to be high-intensity battles. These matchups will give the Braves a real taste of the level of competition they could face in postseason play, and they are the perfect opportunity to show how much the team has grown.
With the student section behind them, leaders stepping up, and chemistry building every day, the Braves are entering the next phase of the season with confidence and edge. This is a team that believes in each other, plays for each other, and is not afraid of a challenge. The preseason may be over, but the real story is just beginning.
The Star Valley Braves are locked in, motivated, and ready to make noise.
