By Chris Parker
Galena boys basketball is poised for a big season with five all-conference players returning from last season’s 20-5 squad.
“The primary success of last season’s team went way beyond X’s and O’s or wins and losses,” Galena head coach Scott Brakebill said. “These guys have had to learn without any senior leadership over the previous two years and have had to find the way together. From plenty of tough moments as freshmen and sophomores to learning how to win together and lose together as a team. Last season, we found success in working together and it was a beautiful thing to see them when they were at their best. This group came in last season hungry to prove themselves, they now have a very rare opportunity of having every single player return to continue to take it to another level. It has been 30 years since Galena Basketball won a district championship; and keeping that hunger and motivation throughout this season will be key to them reaching their potential. Everything is still on the table at this point, and the end goal is for this group to put their stamp on being one of the best teams ever to step on the court at Galena High School.”
Things start with Cody Jones. The senior first-team all-conference guard averaged 26.7 points per game last season with 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.8 steals on his way to First-Team All-SWCL honors.
“Cody’s greatest asset is he believes he can score each time he touches the basketball. That confidence and focus have made him an elite scorer at this level,” Brakebill said. “Cody is a pure scorer with athleticism that allows him to elevate above defenders at all three levels. He improved his on-ball defense last year and was one of our leaders in steals. He is ready to become one of our team leaders with his voice this season and help do whatever it takes to win championships this season.”
Jack Stephens earned his first-team all-conference honors after he averaged a double-double of 13.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game.
“Jack loves the game of basketball and is very passionate about winning. When he plays with that love and passion he stands out on both ends of the floor,” Brakebill said. “Jack is a mobile forward that can play with his back to the basket or face up and put the ball on the floor. He rebounds very well on both ends of the floor. He had a breakout last year as a junior but hasn’t settled for just being good. More than anything, he wants to finish his career winning with his brothers that he has been with since grade school.”
Bobby Harris, also a first-team all-conference player, averaged 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
“Bobby has the ability to guard any position on the floor and play any position on the offensive end. He stretches the floor as one of three players on the team that made five or more threes in a game last season. Bobby brings maturity to this team, and when he puts his mind to something, he’s going to get it done,” Brakebill said. “He has improved his conditioning, strength, and athleticism and is determined to have a great senior year.”
John Bailey, Jaxon Foster, Andru Foster, Jameson Brakebill and Esiya Weeks also return for the Bears.
Bailey, a senior point guard, averaged 6.7 points, 4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
“This team runs on all cylinders when he is on the floor,” Brakebill said. “When he was sick for a stretch last season, the team was not the same. John stands out on the court when he is at his best; and is hard to contain when the ball is in his hands. He’s a 5’9” guard with a 40-inch vertical, and we are excited for him to prove how good he can be on both ends of the floor this season.”
Jaxon Foster, a junior guard, scored 9.4 points per game with 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game.
“Jaxon is another versatile guard and plays with a lot of passion,” Brakebill said. “He is an active defender and plays with a toughness that makes everyone better. He played the majority of last year with a broken finger and is excited to have an even better season this year.”
Andru Foster, a junior guard, contributed 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game.
“Andru plays a big role on this team and is looking to have his best season yet,” Brakebill said. “He led the team in deflections last season and had some big moments for us on both sides of the ball.”
Brakebill, a senior forward, is a force down low leading the team in blocks last season.
“Jameson led us in blocked shots last season, and he brings an intense style of play that helps set the tone for our interior defense and rebounding,” Coach Brakebill said.
Esiya Weeks, a junior guard, played in 18 varsity games last season with 1.3 points per game.
“Esiya had a big summer and brings a lot of intensity when he plays,” Brakeville said. “He is an all-state cross country runner, so he’ll be ready to go once he hits the court.”
Sophomores Tyler West, Blake Countryman, Cayden Barron, Kalei Thamm and Brady Forester are all newcomers to watch.
“We are excited about this sophomore group,” Brakebill said. “We have a solid group of five that have grown and developed over the summer and will push our upperclassmen each day in practice to make everyone better. They will be ready to step up when it is their turn.”
Brakebill has three areas he wants his team to improve if they are to compete deep into the postseason.
“Defense, rebounding, and taking care of the ball will all be areas that we need to improve on to put this team in position to become a championship level team,” Brakebill said. “They took a few steps in the right direction last year, but we still have more we can give in these areas.”
Galena opens the regular season on Nov. 20 at Exeter.
“I want to continue to see this group embrace each day and each moment,” Brakebill said. “We now have a senior group and our success will be dependent on how quickly they grow into leadership roles. Our goal has been to help these kids build character and integrity to do the right thing even when it’s challenging or unpopular. Learn from each practice and get stronger in difficult moments. Cheer on your teammates, and work hard each practice, possession, and game. If we can do this every single day, this season will be considered a great success.”
