Squirrels on the Climb: CC Chasing the Top of Class A

The Squirrels from Central Cass enter the 2025–26 season as legit contenders and PHD's pick to win Region 1 in Class A. Led by head coach and true hoops junkie Matteson Norman, this group plays smart, hoops fast, shoots it hot, and executes with purpose. [player_tooltip player_id='2417308' first='Andrew' last='Ziemer'] will run the offense as the steady and creative floor general, [player_tooltip player_id='2412094' first='Kole' last='Buhr'] will drill triples and stretch defenses, [player_tooltip player_id='1925132' first='Kash' last='Lorenz'] can score it from anywhere on the court, and [player_tooltip player_id='1651914' first='Easton' last='Holland'] looks primed to be one of the elite talents in all of Class A and a matchup nightmare every night. Add in multiple high-motor role players with skill and athleticism, and the Squirrels are flat-out dangerous!   This program has talent, chemistry, coaching, and belief. Just like squirrels storing up food for the cold months, Central Cass put in the work when nobody was watching — now winter is here, and the Squirrels are ready to feast. Big things are ahead for Central Cass this season!   School: Central Cass   Mascot: Squirrel   Head Coach: Matteson Norman   Athletic Director: Travis Lemar   Class: A   Region: 1   24-25 Season: 9-16   See below for Players To Watch and an interesting Q&A session.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/cCs.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/cCs.jpg?w=686" alt="" class="wp-image-3151136" style="width:294px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_73f8de.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_73f8de.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3151138" style="width:285px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   pioljmlfbmfsb sfnb   Players To Watch   *Comments from Coach Norman   [player_tooltip player_id='1651914' first='Easton' last='Holland'] (Jr.)- "Easton had an outstanding sophomore season, leading us in both scoring and rebounding. A long, levelheaded, and skilled left-hander, he scores effectively at all three levels. This year, we'll also lean on his length to help protect the rim on the defensive end."   [player_tooltip player_id='1925132' first='Kash' last='Lorenz'] (Jr.)- "Kash had an impressive sophomore season, showing a natural ability to operate in space and score efficiently. He possesses deep range as a shooter and a quick release, making him a threat from anywhere on the floor. This offseason, he added noticeable strength, which should help him finish through contact, attack the rim more aggressively, and earn more trips to the free-throw line."   [player_tooltip player_id='2417308' first='Andrew' last='Ziemer'] (So.)- "Andrew has great hands and quick feet on defense. He led the team in steals as a freshman, and we expect those numbers to rise this season. As a returning point guard, his exceptional court vision will create numerous opportunities for teammates, while his athleticism allows him to attack the rim effectively."   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_177f1b.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_177f1b.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3151293" style="width:341px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   With Matteson Norman   PHD: How would you sum up last season?   "Simply put, last year was rewarding. We were a very young team that was able to play in a lot of competitive games; even making it to a challenge game to end our season. Though we ended up short of the State Tournament, we gained valuable varsity experience and return all but Brodie Runck to this year's team."   PHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?   "Our effort needs to always be unquestioned. We will be undersized often, so it is imperative that we create additional opportunities based on an unwillingness to be outworked."   "Further, we need to be willing to play for one another. If we can remain unselfish on both ends of the floor, we will be a tough out for opponents this year."   PHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "Extra possessions. We need to make sure our opponents need to work hard to get clean looks at the rim from endline to endline."   PHD: How does this year's team differ from last year's?     "We should see increased efficiencies offensively. Last year, we were limited physically in many games, so we frequently settled for average shots. With a more experienced team this season, we will focus on putting pressure on the rim and attacking the advantages gained."   PHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?   "Like many teams, our boys are very busy during the offseason. Many had successes in their other sports and activities that deserve to be celebrated. Additionally, a bulk of our team played on the same travel team this summer."   PHD: Who are some players you expect to take on expanded roles this season?    "[player_tooltip player_id='2412094' first='Kole' last='Buhr']- Kole is a natural shooter who committed himself to developing a more complete game this offseason. His ability to stretch the floor will open driving lanes for his teammates, and his constant movement without the ball will force defenses to track him at all times."   "[player_tooltip player_id='2416014' first='Ben' last='Nelson']- Ben is an explosive player with excellent footwork. As a standout lineman in football, he brings a much-needed level of physicality to our team. He also has a soft scoring touch around the rim that makes him a reliable option offensively."   "[player_tooltip player_id='2415386' first='Jackson' last='Deutsch']- Jackson continues to make noticeable strides every day. He invested a tremendous amount of effort into improving his game this offseason and has used his length effectively to create scoring opportunities. A dependable three-level scorer, he's positioned to earn increased minutes this season."   PHD: Who are a few of your top defensive players?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1632691' first='Keagan' last='Peterson']- Keagan is a highly instinctive athlete who made significant strength gains this offseason. Last year, we relied on him to take on the challenge of guarding one of the opponent's top players, and we expect him to continue filling that role this season."   "[player_tooltip player_id='2417295' first='Zaine' last='Blixt']- Zaine is a smart, defensive-minded player who takes great pride in his work on that end of the floor. He embraces physical play and the challenge of defending end to end. He also has an excellent instinct for when to double the ball or jump passing lanes."   PHD: What style of play can fans expect on both ends of the floor?   "We enter this season committed to playing a high-tempo style on both ends of the floor. With the advantage of a deep bench, we aim to stay fresh for all four quarters and keep opposing teams on the defensive."   PHD: What are your team goals this year?   "Central Cass enters this season with something to prove. We're proud of what we accomplished last year and the opportunities it provided, but with a talented and experienced group returning, it's time for us to take the next step and pursue the goal of competing for a Region Championship."   PHD: Who are the top teams in your Region?   "Kindred- They have a skilled team returning enough key players to be the Region favorite."   "Lisbon- Their length and dedication to rebounding made them a tough match-up for us last season."   BEST OF LUCK TO THE SQUIRRELS!!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/cCs.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/cCs.jpg?w=686" alt="" class="wp-image-3151136" style="width:211px;height:auto" /></a></figure>

The Squirrels from Central Cass enter the 2025–26 season as legit contenders and PHD's pick to win Region 1 in Class A. Led by head coach and true hoops junkie Matteson Norman, this group plays smart, hoops fast, shoots it hot, and executes with purpose. Andrew Ziemer Andrew Ziemer 6'1" | PG Central Cass | 2028 State ND will run the offense as the steady and creative floor general, Kole Buhr Kole Buhr 6'2" | SG Central Cass | 2028 State ND will drill triples and stretch defenses, Kash Lorenz Kash Lorenz 5'11" | SG Central Cass | 2027 State ND can score it from anywhere on the court, and Easton Holland Easton Holland 6'4" | SF Central Cass | 2027 State ND looks primed to be one of the elite talents in all of Class A and a matchup nightmare every night. Add in multiple high-motor role players with skill and athleticism, and the Squirrels are flat-out dangerous!