Ram Basketball 2020: We’re Back

March 7, 2020 smripp

This basketball season was a dream for a peaking competition junkie like me. Even when we didn’t succeed in terms of wins or losses, every second that passed was a small victory for the Regis Rams. The packed stands, nail-biting finishes, and energetic atmosphere all point to one thing: we’re back. Regis is relevant once again. Let’s take a moment to look back on this culture-altering season.

*The Herd blesses a free throw during the Holy War vs. Blanchet Catholic on January 27th*

Despite a lack of late February success, Ram Nation couldn’t be prouder of our Lady Rams. Posting an 18-8 overall record (18-6 in regular season), it was a team far removed from the trials and tribulations of the last two seasons. From December 7th to January 31st, they rattled off 16 wins in 18 games, posting a +12.1 point differential.

Seniors Alicen Ditter, Lily Persons, and Margaret VanVeen posted strong season campaigns, providing leadership for the young squad. Freshmen Amy Martinez, Sophomore Ava Silbernagel, and Juniors Brooklyn Cross and Sara Wiltsey were among the young players who made a large impact. The combination of strong seniors and young talent was a perfect mix for success.

*The Rams celebrate after knocking off #1 Central Linn on January 24th*

Seeing a change in staff and a loss of personnel, the Men of Regis looked to improve on a lackluster 18′-19′ campaign. With the return of coaches Jason Koehnke and Drew Church, expectations were set high. At first glance, after missing the state tournament for the second straight year, it would appear as if those expectations were not met. However, with a slurry of injuries, and a brand new system to learn, the Rams didn’t do bad with the cards they were dealt.

Out of 26 games, only 11 times was the team fully healthy up and down the bench. Out of those 11, the Rams posted a 7-4 record. With Tyler Voltin, Tristan McMullen, and Nick Woods out for extended periods of time down the stretch, underclassmen such as Drew Dickey and Jacob Persons were thrust into large roles with little experience. When you couple the fact that the whole team was learning a new system, and that a third of the starters were in and out with ailments, it’s no wonder the Rams struggled as they did.

Dropping the recency bias, 2021 will be a different story for the boys in green. It will be year two in Koehnke’s triangle offense, and a fresh start with healthy players. If and when Voltin, Bishop, McMullen and the rest of the gang step up and stay on the court, watch out Central Valley Conference.

*Senior Eli Stuckart rejoices as rival Blanchet Catholic takes a timeout late in the Holy War*

All things considered, the 2019-2020 season was a success for Regis Basketball. For the first time in years, both the Men’s and Women’s varsity teams were truly competitive. This is not a slight but the exact opposite; I mean that this year was the first time they could both truly defeat anyone in the state. For someone like me who has struggled through some frustrating teams in my time as a Ram, this year was simply awe-inspiring.

Playoff prosperity notwithstanding, there was some hardware in form of all-league honors handed out. Senior Jakob Silbernagel was selected to the Central Valley Conference Second Team as a forward. The women’s awards have not been announced yet, but we are hopeful that our lady rams will receive the recognition they have earned.*

*UPDATE 3/31/20 – Senior Lily Persons took home first team honors as a guard, as well as first team defense. Senior Alicen Ditter and Sophomore Ava Silbernagel earned second team honors at the forward position.
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Although both squads will certainly have holes to fill as the class of 2020 departs, the future is bright with talent. The experience that underclassmen gained this season will prove invaluable. The battle scars that juniors Sara Wiltsey, Byron Bishop, Brooklyn Cross, Tyler Voltin and many more endured will provide fuel for their next campaign. Expect to see both teams right back in the league and state tournaments next season.

Sayonara, 2019-20 Ram Basketball. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for proving that green and gold is a sight to be seen, and that a new age of glory is right around the corner. Moments like the Lady Rams knocking off #1 Central Linn, and the Men of Regis slaying the Blanchet Cavs in the Holy War prove that Regis is Back. If the storm hits right and all goes as planned, why not Rams in 2021?

Here are some of our favorites from this season: Enjoy!