Ronan's expectations high for 2025

While Ronan fell short of its goal to make the state tournament, they had a standout season last year, finishing third in the Northwest A Conference with a 7-4 record in league play and 12-10 overall.

“Our intention every year is to make the state tournament and compete at a high level there,” Ronan Head Coach George Sherwood said. “We had some bumps and bruises – just like any team – during the regular season and had to play some very tough teams early on at the divisional tournament, losing to only the divisional champ and state champ in tight contests.”

Sherwood feels that the 2023-24 season allowed the team to build on some things that should allow them to hit the ground running this year.

“Expectations are the same as last year,” Sherwood said. “We intend to work hard and make the divisional and state tournament and compete to win both.”

Ronan will be deep this year with eight seniors who have spent the offseason preparing for the year. Sherwood expects the team’s strengths to be speed and athleticism.

“I think making it to the divisional tournament was a good experience for our kids, and we have now tasted a big stage,” Sherwood said. “A solid core of these kids has been playing together since they were little guys and have that team chemistry on the court you can't teach.”

Sherwood has five returning starters, including three-year starter and junior Kolby Finley.

“He is a great leader for us on both sides of the court and has put in tons of hours of work in the off-season,” Sherwood said.

Wade “GTQ” Qualtier will serve as the team’s “Swiss Army knife,” and Tayen Edmo will be a sniper from all over the court. Sean “Biggie” Smalls will bring his defensive skills to the court and be a physical menace, while Laurance Lozeau will serve as the team’s emotional leader and elevate his play in big moments.

Ronan has some newcomers, including Sioupixm Qualtier, who has improved his game immensely by coming in the mornings and creating more strengths to become an impact player. Chad Higgins will be a power around and above the rim, as Sherwood says he thinks every rebound is his.

Jhett McDonald is a knockdown shot and will make teams play from the three-point land, and Teddy “Sidepony” SpottedEagle will be a skilled player for everyone to watch.

Sherwood said that Trey Samsel will provide a nice spark to the team and has spent the offseason building his skill set and growing athletically. Trance Matt has put on 15 pounds of muscle but still moves like a top-tier athlete.

Connor “Hoka” Durglo will be a defensive menace for other teams, while Benny “Pine Cone” Running Rabbit is a crafty ballplayer who is a scoring threat.

The Northwest A Conference looks to be a dogfight once again. The expectation is Columbia Falls will reload again and be a top-tier team, while Browning has an athletic and passionate group of players.

“Whitefish will be as athletic as anyone in the conference and has kids with lots of confidence coming from football,” Sherwood said. “Bigfork was solid at the sub-varsity level, so the large number of seniors off last season's team shouldn't affect them as much as one might think. They are also well coached.”

Libby also returns starters from last year’s team, and Polson also has some experienced returners.

“I want to add that beyond basketball, I have a program full of amazing student-athletes that stand out on the football field, golf course, track, and most importantly, in the classroom,” Sherwood said. “I just want to thank the players, parents, coaches, and admin for the support and trust I receive every day.”