WyoPreps Class 3A Basketball Preview 2024-25 [VIDEOS]

The two defending 3A basketball champions are in different places entering the new 2024-25 season. The Douglas girls return their core as they vie for a seventh straight title. The Powell boys lost key players from last year’s senior class. In place of our typical preseason basketball tour, due to David’s travel schedule, WyoPreps reached out to visit with the defending state champion head coaches to preview the 2024-25 season.

WYOMING HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CLASS 3A OUTLOOK FOR 2024-25

Douglas has been at the top of 3A girls’ basketball since 2018. WyoPreps does not count the 2020 season because no championship trophies were awarded by the WHSAA. The Bearcats lost one starter and two seniors, so they are a favorite yet again. Douglas is led by returning three-time all-stater Lauren Olsen, who continues to move up the scoring record book in state history. Fellow seniors Jaden Meyer and Bailey Wright also earned all-state last year. Add four more rotation veterans back, and Douglas is loaded. Their biggest loss in the off-season was the departure of head coach Cody Helenbolt. In steps former Bearcat standout Kassidy Scott Johnson as the team’s new head coach.

WyoPreps spoke with Johnson to find out what’s going on with her squad. She discussed adapting from volleyball to basketball as a head coach, trying not to mess up a good thing, mixing her system with the previous one, dealing with being the six-time defending champs, the benefits of such a veteran team, and more.

WyoPreps reached out to all 3A girls’ basketball coaches for a preview of the 2024-25 season from their perspective. Not all coaches responded to our survey.

3A Girls Basketball Favorites = Douglas, Cody

Other contenders = Pinedale, Buffalo, Powell, Mountain View, Wheatland, Torrington

Top Returning Players = Lauren Olsen, Elyn Bowers, Karly Davis, Bailey Wright, Jaden Meyer, Ellie Talich, Grace Hays, Gabby Rogers, Addison Hickey, McKinlee Covolo, Erica Wilson, Sophia Radakovich, Teryn Stokes, Lily Anderson

WyoPreps outlook: This class is loaded with talent and good teams. Douglas could win their seventh straight title, but they will have to fend off some quality competition. Cody is back in 3A after lots of success in 4A, which will play a major factor, as the Fillies have two returning 4A all-state players in Talich and Hays. Pinedale has talent with Bowers, Rogers, and Wilson. Buffalo lost only three players off last season’s runner-up squad, so they will be in the mix. Torrington brings everyone back off a team that got to the state tournament. Wheatland has returning talent but a new head coach. Powell, Mountain View, and Lyman also return key players. 3A girls’ basketball is deep.

3A Boys Basketball

The Powell Panthers completed a perfect season last March, at 26-0. They must replace six seniors from a talented roster, but it’s not like the cupboard is bare. Alex Jordan, Jaxon Hancock, Evan Whitlock, and Nathan Preator will lead the way into a new season. Powell was able to play a variety of styles with their experience, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt to a new core. WyoPreps spoke to Powell head coach Mike Heny about his team ahead of the new season. He knows what they lost but feels their program is still in good shape. Heny discussed how practice is going, the type of team he has, how they might shoot the ball better, what Class 3A boys basketball looks like, particularly in the West Region, and more.

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WyoPreps reached out to all 3A boys’ basketball coaches for a preview of the 2024-25 season from their perspective. Not all coaches responded to our survey.

3A Boys Basketball Favorites = Cody, Lovell

Other contenders = Wheatland, Powell, Douglas, Buffalo

Top Returning Players = Owen Walker, Matthew Newman, Alex Jordan, Maddax Ball, Chase Hatch, Grady McCarten, Collin Roberts, Brady Engling, Casey Sarvey, Tate Nichols, Mac Hibben, Mason Medley, Davin Crosby

WyoPreps outlook: A lot of coaches feel that Lovell is a favorite, and we don’t disagree. The Bulldogs have some top-tier talent. The Cody Broncs will be a factor in their return to 3A, especially with two 4A all-conference players returning in Ball and Hatch. Wheatland made a run to the title game last season. Can they balance the loss of key seniors with the return of other core players and have them step up? We will see. Powell will still be a factor despite its losses. The Panthers return a good nucleus to build around. Buffalo brings back all but three players, so the Bison look to be a factor on the east side of the state. Who else gets into the mix will depend on players stepping into larger roles.