The Briar Cliff men's basketball team is fired up and ready to turn things around for the 2025-26 season! After a disappointing 14-15 record last year, the team is determined to get back on track and make a strong comeback.
But here's where it gets interesting... Briar Cliff is facing a challenge as they bid farewell to two of their top scorers, Matthew Stilwill and Jamison Helmers, who were key players in the team's success. However, they're not starting from scratch. The team has a solid core of experienced players like Blake Sindelar and Jaxson Wingert, who are eager to step up and lead the charge.
Sindelar, in particular, is a standout player, averaging an impressive 13.9 points per game with a solid 47% shooting percentage. Wingert, a sophomore, is also showing great promise, having started all 29 games last season and contributing 11.7 points and over four rebounds per game.
The team's head coach, Mark Svagera, is confident and focused on the task at hand. He shared, "We're zeroed in on the daily habits and routines that will get us to where we want to be. Our goal is to compete at the top of the conference and secure a spot in the NAIA National Tournament."
Wingert echoed this sentiment, adding, "Everyone is stepping up, even the new transfers and those who might not see much playing time. They're pushing us in practice, and we feel ready for the season ahead."
And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about the star players. It's about the entire team, the support system, and the culture they've built. With a strong foundation and a positive mindset, Briar Cliff is poised to make some serious noise this season.
So, mark your calendars! The Briar Cliff men's basketball team kicks off their season on October 24th at home against Mount Mercy at 7:30 p.m. Will they rise to the challenge and prove their worth? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Do you believe in the power of a strong team culture and daily habits? Or do you think star players are the key to success? Let's discuss in the comments!
