Dec. 9—BENSON — All signs point toward another winning year for the Benson boys basketball team.

After improving their win total by seven wins with an 18-11 record in 2024-25, the Braves look to continue their winning ways as a new member of the Prairie Conference. "We are looking to take another step in the right direction as a program this year," Benson head coach Michael Felt said. "As we find a new home in the Prairie Conference, it will take some adjusting to the new schedule with many teams that we have not faced in recent years. I am looking forward to coaching this group of players and seeing what we can accomplish."

Nearly everyone returns for the Braves, who graduated Jaden McCarter and Noah Goossen.

McCarter, who was a key guard and captain last season, is serving as one of Felt's assistant coaches alongside Brady Dokkebakken, Adam Jensen and Alex Fountain.

Among the highlight returnees is Harold Habben. The 6-foot-7 senior center is coming off an All-Area Third Team and All-West Central junior year where he averaged 15.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Habben was named Benson's MVP.

"Harold is an extremely hard worker on both ends of the floor," Felt said. "He is a natural defender in the post and can get out and run the floor on offense."

Also back is Lanadreon Goodwin, a 6-7 junior forward who posted 19.0 points and 12.2 rebounds per contest. He was an All-Area Honorable Mention and an All-West Central pick.

"Lanadreon is very athletic and has worked hard to become a dual threat on offense," Felt said.

Graidy Zimmerman, Tayte Antolick and Landon Skarsten all return in the backcourt.

Zimmerman is a 5-11 junior guard who led Benson in steals and assists. He averaged 10.3 points per game.

"Graidy is our primary ball-handler that put in a ton of time this offseason working on his skills," Felt said. "He loves to compete."

Antolick, a 6-4 senior guard and four-year starter, averaged 8.9 ppg.

"Tayte provides a lot of length on defense and has a lot of playing experience," Felt said.

Skarsten is a lethal shooter beyond the arc. The 5-11 senior guard led the Braves in three-pointers last season and averaged 6.9 ppg.

"Landon led the team with 52 made three-pointers and is on track to become the school's all-time leader in made three-pointers," Felt said.