2025-26 Groton Tiger BB Preview

The Groton Tigers will enter the new season as one of the most dangerous and complete teams in Class A, and expectations around the program are sky-high—rightfully so. Under the guidance of new head coach Greg Kjellsen, the Tigers return all five starters from a squad that went 18-7 and secured a 7th-place finish at the State A Tournament. This group isn't just experienced—they're athletic, long, skilled, and deep, the kind of lineup that can overwhelm opponents in multiple ways.   With sharp shooters on the perimeter, playmakers who can score at all levels, versatile role players who embrace their roles, and athletes who can defend, rebound, and run the floor, Groton is built for a serious run. Combine that with a solid bench and the confidence gained from last year's postseason success, and it's clear: the Tigers aren't just good—they're the real deal! Calling the expectations “high” might be an understatement. Groton is geared up for a special season.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_3e2674.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_3e2674.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3068996" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/Preview-crop-772x507-1711398103.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/Preview-crop-772x507-1711398103.jpg?w=771" alt="" class="wp-image-2388806" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Returning Starters   *Players comments from Coach Kjellsen   PG: [player_tooltip player_id='2475034' first='Karson' last='Zak'] - 6'0 Soph. - Avg 9 ppg; 3 rpg; 2.4 apg "Karson is one of the most athletic kids I've ever coached. As a freshman, he handled the starting role with a lot of confidence. He should play an even bigger role this season."   SG: [player_tooltip player_id='1548634' first='Ryder' last='Johnson'] - 6'5 Sr. - Avg 17.5 ppg; 5.5 rpg "Ryder was the leading scorer last season. He was an All-State selection. He's very versatile offensively. A good perimeter shooter who can take it to the basket."   SG: [player_tooltip player_id='1548633' first='Keegen' last='Tracy'] - 6'0 Sr. - Avg 11.6 ppg; 2.5 rpg "Keegen is our quickest player and a defensive stopper. He'll be assigned the opponent's best perimeter player. He was an all-conference selection. He's also very versatile on offense. He uses his quickness to get easy baskets."   F: [player_tooltip player_id='1821026' first='Becker' last='Bosma'] - 6'5 Sr. - Avg 8.5 ppg; 6.5 rpg "Becker is the floor general. He gets his teammates where they are supposed to be both offensively and defensively. He should play a bigger role this season."   C: [player_tooltip player_id='1548641' first='Gage' last='Sippel']-6'7 Sr. - Avg 6.8 ppg; 5.5 rpg "Gage could be the key to our team. He's worked extremely hard improving his game and strength. His presence inside should make life easier for our perimeter players."   Key Bench Players   *Players comments from Coach Kjellsen   G: [player_tooltip player_id='2475033' first='Easton' last='Weber'] -6'1 Soph. - 2.1 ppg   "Easton will play a much bigger role this season. He dealt with injuries much of last year. Is one of our best outside shooters."   G: [player_tooltip player_id='3069042' first='JD' last='Schwan'] - 6'0 Sr. - 1.7 ppg   "JD is an excellent defender. If his offense improves, he could see extended time."   F: [player_tooltip player_id='2475032' first='Ethan' last='Kroll'] - 6'2 Soph.   "Ethan played a big role on the JV last year. He's a very athletic kid who'll see a lot of time this year."   C: Logan Warrington - 6'3 Sr.   "Logan saw limited action last year, but is a very physical and active player who'll give us depth inside."   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_3e2674.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_3e2674.png?w=324" alt="" class="wp-image-3068996" style="width:147px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Coming off an impressive 18-7 campaign and a 7th-place finish at the State A tournament, the Tigers enter this season with momentum—and even greater expectations. Now under the direction of head coach Greg Kjellsen, the Region 1 squad has embraced a renewed vision and an elevated standard. As Kjellsen puts it, "The strengths of this group are already taking shape in ways that could position them for a deep postseason push."   Defensively, this team hangs its hat on pride and discipline. Kjellsen notes that his players understand how crucial defense will be if they intend to return to the State Tournament. The Tigers will operate primarily out of man-to-man looks, mixing in some zone to keep opponents off balance. Their collective buy-in on this end of the floor could make them one of the toughest defensive units in South Dakota.   Offensively, fans can expect a faster tempo and a more aggressive approach. With a roster loaded with athleticism, the Tigers will look to push the pace and generate easy buckets. A renewed emphasis on scoring at the rim should also open up cleaner opportunities for their perimeter shooters. And with three players standing 6'5" or taller, the Tigers boast size that few Class A teams can match.   Perhaps the team's most underrated strength is its unselfishness. Despite having several capable scorers, the ball has moved freely throughout the preseason. That willingness to share—combined with their size, speed, and defensive tenacity—gives Kjellsen plenty of reasons to be optimistic.   This summer marked the start of a new era as Kjellsen officially took over the program. The Tigers began installing the system he plans to run long-term, and the response from the players was overwhelmingly positive. Their effort and cohesion were on full display during four team camps, where they went undefeated and showcased the potential of this new identity.   As the season approaches, the goals are clear: win the NEC, qualify for the State Tournament, and compete at the highest level every single night while continuing to improve. And with a roster this deep, skilled, and committed, Kjellsen believes the ceiling is sky-high.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> If we can stay healthy, the sky is the limit with this team. -Greg Kjellsen </blockquote>   BEST OF LUCK TO THE TIGERS!!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1399487" /></a></figure>

The Groton Tigers will enter the new season as one of the most dangerous and complete teams in Class A, and expectations around the program are sky-high—rightfully so. Under the guidance of new head coach Greg Kjellsen, the Tigers return all five starters from a squad that went 18-7 and secured a 7th-place finish at the State A Tournament. This group isn't just experienced—they're athletic, long, skilled, and deep, the kind of lineup that can overwhelm opponents in multiple ways.