It seems like only yesterday that basketball fans around Killeen ISD were cheering on the Ellison Eagles in their second consecutive Class 5A state championship game.
But, believe it or not, the 2024-2025 boys high school basketball season has arrived, and with it high hopes and lofty goals.
The Eagles’ appearance in the Alamo Dome last year capped another strong campaign for KISD squads, including Shoemaker’s trip to the 5A Region III semifinals, Harker Heights’ second straight district title and a combined 108 wins.
As teams begin to take the court this weekend, a quick reminder is in order. The Grey Wolves and Kangaroos are back in Class 6A starting this season, joining the Knights, Temple, Copperas Cove, Bryan and Waco Midway in District 12-6A. The Eagles and Bobcats are in 16-5A with Belton, Lake Belton, Waco and Waco University.
Once the postseason rolls around, the top four teams will be divided –– two and two –– into divisions based on enrollment numbers, matching the format already used by football. It’s a change that was enacted after the University Interscholastic League voted on the matter during the summer.
Aiming to maintain their hold on the 12-6A crown, the Knights enter the season with Jason Fossett –– who coached Killeen High from 2005-2012 and racked up an impressive 194-50 record along the way –– as their head coach. Alberto Jones Jr. begins his 17th season in charge of the Eagles.
Chaparral tips off the season at 7 p.m. Friday at home against Austin Royals. Also at home Friday are the Kangaroos, who host Round Rock McNeil at 7 p.m. Shoemaker begins its season on the road against Wolfforth Frenship in Fort Worth on Friday, and Ellison –– which is ranked No. 8 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches preseason poll –– opens at 12;30 p.m. Saturday in the Midway Showcase against College Station A&M Consolidated. Harker Heights’ first game is slated for 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at home against Hutto.
Here’s a look at KISD’s five teams.
Chaparral
Last season’s record: 18-18
Returners: Brad Miles, senior guard; Deavon Foster, senior guard; Christian Redmond, junior forward; Carolos Robinson, junior forward; Will McKnight, senior guard; Jacob Tolbert, junior guard
Newcomers: Willie Holsendolph, sophomore guard; Curtis Watson-Davis, sophomore guard; Demoni Mayes, sophomore guard; Nate Brown, sophomore forward; Nasir’M Duncan, sophomore guard; Kameron Lucious, junior guard/forward; Jayden Harris, senior guard/forward; Elijah Treadwell, junior guard
Coach Christopher Onwukaife says: “What excites me the most about this team is what we can be if everyone truly buys in and play selfless basketball. I’ve seen it at times thus far, and if we can consistently execute that, we may even surprise ourselves. We have a lot of newcomers to the varsity level mixed in with a couple of players who have experience. It should make for a fun and exciting year of basketball.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/3yknfmv7
Ellison
Last season’s record: 35-6
Returners: Ahziel “JoJo” McIver, senior point guard; Sean Parks, junior point guard; Darone Leakes, senior guard; Marneko Thomas, sophomore forward; JayQuan Gaines, senior guard; Prince Hall, junior forward; Elijah Bass, junior forward; Shaheim Bogues, senior forward
Newcomers: Chandler Miles, junior forward; Marquis Jones, guard; Nick Jones, senior guard
Coach Alberto Jones Jr. says: “I’m very excited about this team’s hard work and chemistry. Last year we kind of surprised some people. Now, we won’t be able to do that and will have to be ready to bring our best every night. We have two all-state guards (McIver and Parks) to lead us and we are in Region II, the toughest region in the state. So, it will be fun, and we are ready for the challenge.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/2rvh3te8
Harker Heights
Last season’s record: 23-10
Returners: Keyaun Martin, junior forward; Elijah Gibson, junior guard; Josiah Rollins, senior guard; Zy’Riyan “C2” Evans, senior guard; Ryan Surens, senior guard
Newcomers: David Blount, junior forward; Leo Wilson, junior guard; Larone James, junior guard; Raheem Green, senior forward; Julian Ruiz, junior guard; Kemari Otis, junior guard; Tahj Johnson, senior guard; Demetre Sylvester, senior forward; Jamari Lockhart, senior forward; Jaden Brown, senior guard
Coach Jason Fossett says: “I am excited about the new challenge that lies ahead here at Harker Heights. Not much varsity experience but we have the talent that if we continue to improve throughout the season and buy into our roles, we have a chance to be a good basketball team. Lots of juniors so the future is bright.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/5n8mujaa
Killeen
Last season’s record: 4-30
Returners: Avery Brown, junior guard; JaMarion Haynes, senior guard; J’Narri Franklin, senior guard; Obie Shade, senior guard; Montre Plenty, senior guard; Arthur Henry, senior guard; Micah Horton, junior forward; Keon Langston, senior guard
Newcomers: Trint Robinson, junior guard; DayShawn McHenry, junior forward
Coach Walt Harris says: “The exciting thing about this team is that they believe in each and they're committed to being better. Our motto this season is "Standards over Feelings" ––meaning to leave your feelings at the door and meet the standard. I’m looking forward to seeing how we attack teams with our quickness and discipline on defense. Overall, I’m looking forward to a better season with our guys. Can't wait to see our hard work pay off.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/25tbbwyn
Shoemaker
Last season’s record: 30-9
Returners: D’Athony Moore, junior guard; Beres Henry, junior forward; Carey Waler, junior guard; Preston King-Holt, senior guard; Khalif Richardson, senior guard; Kardae Davis, senior forward; Travonne Woodley, senior forward; Tyrieke Wade, junior guard
Newcomers: Jabari Paynther, junior guard; Silas Wilson, senior guard; Jonathan Printup, junior guard; Caleb Buie, senior guard; Avontae Lowery junior forward
Coach Karron Taylor says: “What excites me about this year's squad is that we have a great group of kids that will embrace new roles and new challenges that will help them grow closer to their goals. The strength to endure develops character. As long as we keep the right attitude, we will come out on the better end.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/kf32dbkf
