LONE GROVE LONGHORNS
Coach: STEFAN HUNT
2024-25 Record: 11-14
Coming off an 11–14 campaign, the Lone Grove Longhorns enter the 2025–26 season with renewed purpose under second-year head coach Stefan Hunt. After using last year to establish culture and identity, Hunt and his squad are ready to raise expectations—leaning heavily on a veteran core and a more aggressive, high-energy brand of basketball. The Longhorns will turn up the pressure defensively, focusing on creating chaos and forcing tempo, while embracing a faster offensive pace built around attacking guards and improved ball movement.
With four seniors slated to start, experience will be one of Lone Grove’s greatest strengths. Senior point guard Elijah Mims (6-2, Sr.) will steer the offense, bringing stability, toughness, and leadership to a team committed to playing downhill. On the wings, seniors Cooper Baxter (6-3, Sr.), Colt Harris (6-3, Sr.), and Payton Watterson (6-2, Sr.) are expected to provide a large portion of the scoring load. Baxter is coming off a strong offseason and is projected to average a double-double thanks to his physicality and relentless motor. Harris and Watterson add size, shooting, and versatility, giving the Longhorns a well-rounded and dangerous senior group.
The depth behind them will be crucial as Lone Grove increases its tempo. Sophomores Drake Madole (6-1, So.), Coby Brewer (5-6, So.), and Amir Peters (6-0, So.), along with junior TJ Culberson (5-7, Jr.), will all be counted on for meaningful minutes, providing energy off the bench and ensuring the Longhorns can maintain intensity for four quarters. Their development throughout the season could be a major factor in Lone Grove’s postseason ceiling. Senior Brandon Heckethorn (6-5, Sr.), an Air Force football commit, adds strength inside and gives the team another reliable scorer and rebounder. Trent Garrison (5-8, Sr.) and Cash Dobbins (5-7, Fr.) are also expected to crack the rotation and make an impact.
With senior leadership, improved depth, and a clear vision for how they want to play, the Longhorns are confident they can take a significant step forward. If their defensive identity sharpens and their offense thrives in an uptempo system, Lone Grove has the potential to emerge as a dangerous and disciplined squad capable of surprising teams across the region.
