Dec. 9—NEW LONDON — For the New London-Spicer boys basketball team, things can only get better.
The Wildcats are coming off a 2024-25 season that saw them finish with a 1-26 record. NLS went 0-16 in Wright County Conference play.
Its one win came in an 85-75 victory against MACCRAY in the Bremer Bank Holiday Classic last December in Willmar.
The Wildcats have a large group of seniors and juniors and anticipate a better season.
That starts with 6-foot senior guard Beckett Newman. He collected 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game as a junior.
Two other seniors who are returning contributors are Griffin Thompson and Jowell Gamez.
Thompson, a 6-4 forward, posted 3.7 points and 2.0 rebounds per contest. Gamez, a 6-0 guard, notched 1.8 points and 1.0 rebounds per game.
There are also three juniors back after playing key roles last season.
Zach Lageson, a 6-2 guard, averaged 7.6 points, 3.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Gavin Vick, a 6-5 forward, tallied 3.7 points and 2.0 rebounds per contest. Louden Johnson, a 6-2 guard, had 3.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.
Head coach Jeffrey Paffrath, who has Pete Hannig and Mason Toutges on his coaching staff, said other juniors to watch are Grant Henjum, Jonah Louwagie, Liam Macik, Jack Van Nurden and Brecken Westby.
"We're looking forward to a great year," Paffrath said. "The boys have all put in time over the summer and fall to get ready for the upcoming basketball season. We are blessed with a great number of athletes who are willing to put in the time and energy to get better. It's a great group."