2024-2025 Moeller Basketball Preview
Last season
Ending the 2023-2024 season, Moeller Basketball had an outstanding record of 26-2. With a winning percentage of 93%, Moeller was defeating teams left and right and was favored by many to win a state championship. Seniors AJ McBride, Eric Mahaffey, and Noah George consistently put on a show, making games worth watching for the fans. These seniors, working together with juniors Kingston Land, Zach Green, and Alex Kazenecki, kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite playing extremely well during the regular season, they unfortunately came up short in the district finals, losing to Centerville. Although this was a setback, it surely gave the Moeller juniors the courage and eagerness to fight even harder for a state championship in the 2024-2025 season.
Player Highlights
Kingston Land - Indiana State commit Kingston Land plans to have a phenomenal year, aiming to dunk everything after struggling with injuries in previous years. Hopefully, he can stay healthy.
Brady Franz - Committed to play basketball at Coker, Brady Franz is an elite player known for his ability to knock down shots and grab rebounds.
Griffin Mitchell - Griffin Mitchell, or “G Mitch,” didn’t play much last year but is expected to have a great year, showcasing his talents in shooting, defense, and hustle.
Roman Mason - Roman Mason, a three-time varsity player, is coming off a great year. He can do everything on the court and is poised for another outstanding season.
Jake Bell - Jake Bell is expected to have a huge year after limited play last season. He is a quick player who can shoot from anywhere and plays great defense.
Zach Green - Zach Green had a great year last season, excelling in defense and his ability to knock down threes.
Alex Kazanecki - Coming off a great year, Alex Kazanecki is a reliable scorer who rarely misses.
Glenn Kitchen - Glenn Kitchen is looking to have a breakout season. He is a great player who can shoot and lock down any opponent.
Colsen Krebs - Although he did not play last year, Colsen Krebs is expected to be a key piece for the team. He is quick and can knock down threes.
New Players
As Moeller transitions into the 2024-2025 season, a new group of juniors will be stepping into the roles of the graduated seniors. One of these upcoming players is Brock Grubert. Brock believes that the transition from JV to varsity is a significant step. In his words, “The game is played at a faster pace, and the talent level is also at a much higher altitude.” Despite this, Brock feels ready for the challenge, thanks to the current seniors who have been great role models for him. He explains, “Jake Bell, Griffin Mitchell, and Zach Green have all been great role models for me because they have played my position.” With this support, Brock has one goal in mind for the season: “My goal for this season is to win the GCL and a state championship,” he says.
Moeller is preparing to face some challenging teams this season. Key matchups include the other big three GCL schools: LaSalle, Elder, and St. Xavier, which are always dominant teams. Although Moeller defeated each of them during the 2023-2024 season, these teams will be coming back determined and looking for a victory over Moeller. On January 10th, Moeller plays Elder. On January 17th, Moeller plays St. Xavier. On January 24th, Moeller plays LaSalle. These three consecutive weeks of GCL rivalry promise intense competition and high stakes.
Coach’s Outlook
I talked to Coach Johnson, and he said, “I expect big things from this team. We have worked all offseason to get better and prepare for the season. With so many great players returning, we expect a lot from this team. With a challenging schedule ahead, we are confident that we have the potential to compete at the highest level. I believe this team can win it all and have an excellent season. These players have worked so hard, and we are just ready to start the season.”
Season Outlook
As the Moeller Crusaders prepare for the upcoming basketball season, the team is focused on building upon their strong foundation of talent, discipline, and hard work. With nine returning seniors, the Crusaders have a wealth of experience, depth, and versatility to compete at the highest levels. The coaching staff emphasizes a fast-paced, aggressive style of play, complemented by a strong defensive strategy and a team-first mentality. The Crusaders are focused on winning the GCL and making a state final run. They are determined to have a great year and continue their proud tradition of success