Winner Warriors: Tradition, Toughness, High Expectations

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The <strong>Winner Warriors</strong> enter the 2025–26 season with the same mindset that's defined their storied program for years — toughness, discipline, and a commitment to winning basketball. Under the steady leadership of <strong>Coach Brett Gardner</strong>, Winner has built a reputation as one of Class A's most consistent and well-coached teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">Headlined by standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249344' first='Carter' last='Craven']</strong>, the Warriors have plenty of talent and depth to once again make noise in <strong>Region 7</strong>. With a mix of experienced leaders, gritty role players, and a roster full of hard workers, Winner looks primed to stack up plenty of victories this winter. Opponents know the Warriors never back down, and they'll be a tough out every single night. Getting ready for another memorable hoops season from the Winner Warriors!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3042995,"width":"267px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/winnerwarriors-crop-1169x768-1762524784.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/winnerwarriors-crop-1169x768-1762524784.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3042995" style="width:267px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2632356,"width":"241px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/TeamPreview.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/TeamPreview.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2632356" style="width:241px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player Comments</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Winner Warriors</strong> return a strong and balanced roster built around talent, experience, and work ethic. Leading the charge is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249344' first='Carter' last='Craven']</strong>, a 6'6" junior who earned <strong>Third Team All-State</strong> honors and was named <strong>SESD Conference MVP</strong> after averaging an impressive <strong>21.4 points per game</strong> last season. He is also one of the elite rebounder in SD. Craven leads a lineup filled with capable contributors ready to take the next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249367' first='Zac' last='Olson']</strong>, a steady <strong>senior point guard</strong>, brings valuable leadership as a <strong>three-year starter</strong>, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2405782' first='Jalen' last='Tideman']</strong>, a <strong>6'2" sophomore</strong>, looks to build on a strong summer with Ambush Basketball after averaging <strong>10.2 points per game</strong> on JV. <strong>Sam Steele</strong>, a <strong>6'0" junior</strong>, is another name to watch — a confident shooter who has worked hard to round out his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adding depth and athleticism are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3043022' first='Carter' last='Foster']</strong>, a <strong>6'3" junior lefty</strong> with length, and <strong>William Jorgensen</strong>, a high-motor player who competes every possession. Freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839180' first='Cooper' last='Craven']</strong> also stands out as a promising young talent — athletic, driven, and eager to do whatever it takes to help the team win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With this mix of proven production and emerging players, the Warriors have the pieces in place to keep their winning tradition alive in Region 7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Warrior Breakdown</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Winner Warriors are coming off a strong campaign that saw them reach the SoDak 16 — another reminder of the program's steady presence among Class A contenders. Head coach <strong>Brett Gardner</strong> once again has a team that prides itself on toughness, effort, and defense, a combination that has defined Winner basketball for years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“<em>We had a nice season overall last year</em>,” said Gardner. “<em>When we were healthy, we felt we could compete on any given night. We won some, and we lost some, but we battled.</em>” That competitive fire is what fuels this group heading into the new season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, the Warriors plan to hang their hat on pressure and grit. Gardner emphasized that “<em>our goal every game is to get after it on the defensive end of the floor.</em>” Expect the Warriors to make opposing offenses uncomfortable with their ability to pressure the ball and force tough shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the point of attack, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249367' first='Zac' last='Olson']</strong>, a three-year starter at point guard, returns to run the offense. He's the team's floor general and tone-setter on both ends. Olson will get help from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839180' first='Cooper' last='Craven']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2405782' first='Jalen' last='Tideman']</strong>, two young guards with growing confidence who will share ball-handling duties throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winner's offseason work was a major bright spot. The Warriors were active in open gyms and summer competition, with several players gaining valuable experience. <strong>Carter and [player_tooltip player_id='2839180' first='Cooper' last='Craven']</strong> played on Sanford Pentagon squads, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2405782' first='Jalen' last='Tideman']</strong> competed with Ambush Basketball, and <strong>Sam Steele</strong> suited up for [program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops']. That commitment should pay dividends once the lights come on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249344' first='Carter' last='Craven']</strong> anchors the interior with his length and instincts. He's also one of the best rebounders in Class A, averaging 11.3 rebounds per game last year — a number that could climb even higher this season. Olson is the team's top on-ball defender, while Tideman and Steele add perimeter energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors will be young and relatively inexperienced, but Gardner believes in their buy-in and toughness. “<em>We feel we have guys who love basketball and want to succeed</em>,” he said. “<em>We will defend hard, take care of the basketball, and play Warrior Basketball.</em>”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249344' first='Carter' last='Craven']</strong> setting the tone and a promising young core stepping into larger roles, the Warriors have all the tools to stay competitive in Region 7. Their trademark defense, unselfish play, and relentless effort will keep them in every game. As the season unfolds, expect this group to grow more confident and cohesive — and by the time March arrives, Winner could once again be a dangerous, battle-tested team ready to make noise in Class A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO THE WARRIORS THIS SEASON!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3042995,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/winnerwarriors-crop-1169x768-1762524784.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/winnerwarriors-crop-1169x768-1762524784.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3042995" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->