Weskan Basketball: A Winning Culture

On The Morning Blitz this Tuesday, Ross Volkmer and I had the pleasure of hosting Val Reiss, head coach of the unbeaten Weskan Coyotes boys basketball team. With a perfect 8-0 start to their basketball season and a state championship in football, Weskan boys athletics are having a dream year. Coach Reiss shared insights into this incredible run and the culture fueling their success.

From Football Glory to Basketball Dominance

“It has been very special,” Coach Reiss began, reflecting on Weskan’s unbeaten football season, which culminated in a state championship. This was Weskan’s first season back in KSHSAA after a hiatus due to low enrollment numbers.

“At the end of the day, what our students wanted more than anything was to play for Weskan,” he said. The commitment of the school board and the community ensured that the Coyotes could compete at a high level, and the results speak for themselves.

This belief carried over to basketball, where the Coyotes’ players have continued their winning ways. “The boys have a quiet confidence in themselves,” Reiss noted. “They believe they can win any game because they’ve done it before.”

A Community Built Around Its School

What makes Weskan so unique? According to Reiss, “Our school is one of the most important things in our lives.” The community’s unwavering support and dedication create an environment where students thrive both on and off the court.

This culture of pride and responsibility shines through in how the team conducts itself. “My grandsons get to watch these boys,” Reiss said, “and they’re seeing tremendous role models.” The team’s commitment to excellence extends beyond athletics, and that’s something Reiss takes immense pride in.

Talent Meets Hard Work

Weskan returned an experienced roster this season, led by senior standout Trey Allen, who is averaging an astounding 31 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals per game. “Trey is the most unselfish 30-point-a-game scorer I’ve ever seen,” Reiss said. His ability to create opportunities for teammates has made the Coyotes a nightmare to defend.

But it’s not just Allen carrying the load. Judah Crowe, Nick Cottrell, Carson Wright, and Dr. Allen bring a mix of experience, physicality, and a tireless work ethic. “We’ve been working on our offense for over a year and a half,” Reiss said. “This year, we turned up our defense, and it’s made all the difference.”

The Coyotes are averaging over 65 points per game while allowing fewer than 40, a testament to their defensive intensity. Reiss shared that his team takes pride in defensive milestones, such as recording 15 stops in 16 possessions during a recent game.

The Road Ahead

This week poses a significant challenge for Weskan, with matchups against Syracuse and undefeated Logan-Palco. Reiss views these games as an opportunity to measure his team’s growth. “We’ll face teams with similar physical gifts,” he explained. “To win, our offensive execution will need to be sharp.”

As the Coyotes prepare to face tougher opponents, Reiss emphasizes the importance of humility and focus. “We’ve discussed the idea of humility with our boys once, and they’ve done a great job of staying grounded,” he said. “They understand that success requires preparation and hard work.”

A Culture of Excellence

For Coach Reiss, the ultimate goal isn’t just winning games but fostering a culture of excellence that extends beyond the court. “We hope to develop a culture where high schoolers act in a way that younger students aspire to emulate,” he said. “While we have tremendous athletic ability, I’m prouder of how these boys conduct themselves as people.”

As the Coyotes continue their season, their blend of talent, discipline, and community support ensures that they remain a team to watch. With leaders like Coach Reiss at the helm, it’s clear that Weskan’s winning culture is built to last.