SASAKWA VIKINGS
BOYS
Coach: CHRIS JONES
23-24 Record: 14-14
With high hopes and a renewed sense of ambition, the Sasakwa High School Vikings boys basketball team is ready to take on the 2024 season. Under the leadership of head coach Chris Jones, the Vikings are building on last year’s .500 season (14-14) and embracing their youthful roster with a mix of determination and skill. “We’re extremely young again this season,” says Jones. “We return all five starters who started as freshmen, and we’re adding a strong freshman class to that bunch. 16 out of our 18 players are freshmen or sophomores, and we’re very excited about our future.”
The returning starters include guards Darius Henderson (5-9, 140, So.), Micah Wheeler (5-9, 135, So.), and Titan Collins (5-10, 145, So.), as well as forwards Ayden Livesay (5-11, 170, So.) and Joseph Lunn (5-10, 175, So.). Darius Henderson brings speed and skill with his 8 points and 5 assists per game. Micah Wheeler led the team with an average of 10.1 points and added 3 assists per game, while Titan Collins contributed across the board with 7.7 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. In the frontcourt, Ayden Livesay proved valuable with 7 points and 5 rebounds per game, and Joseph Lunn brought grit and hustle, securing 6 rebounds per game.
New additions to the roster include talented freshmen such as Josh Jones (6-0, 165, Fr.), Nate Read (6-1, 170, Fr.), Titus Collins (5-10, 175, Fr.), and Thad Harjo (5-10, 16, Fr.), all of whom are expected to make an impact immediately. Josh and Nate are both future stars. “Josh has a high basketball IQ and works hard on both ends, while Nate is super athletic, has a high ceiling, and brings incredible energy to the forward position.” Titus Collins, another athletic freshman, will be an underclassman to watch. Coach Jones describes him as “extremely physical and competitive.”
Senior forward Kaisyn Shaw (6-3, 175, Sr.) and juniors Mason Palmer (6-2, 150, Jr.) and Dariane Loya (6-2, 160, Jr.) bring additional height and experience to the lineup. Kaisyn, in particular, contributes on both ends with his rebounding (8 rebounds per game) and defensive presence, averaging 2 blocks per game. Sophomore Joseph Lunn, who Coach Jones calls a “glue guy” who works tirelessly and sets the example for his teammates.
One player with a unique story is Josh Jones, the youngest of four brothers, all of whom have made a mark on Sasakwa basketball. In a tribute to their late uncle Wes Jones, who passed away in a car accident in 1996, the Jones brothers honor his memory with a distinctive free throw routine that includes raising their left arm to the sky.
The Vikings’ season is set, and the community is ready to rally behind them. “We’re focused on improving on last year,” said Jones. As the season unfolds, Sasakwa basketball fans can look forward to watching this team of rising stars compete with passion and pride.
Other players:
FRESHMAN
Michael Stewart
Aevri Shaw
Abe Winter
Nathaniel Gentry
Easton Gore
