After an offseason filled with hard work and preparation, the Westerville South boys basketball team is eager to start off a new season with high expectations. The Wildcats are coming off a 9–15 season, and new head coach Trevor Kielmeyer is ready to lead them to victory.
“Our expectation is to be the hardest working team in Central Ohio,” Kielmeyer said. “If we live up to that, the wins will take care of themselves.” The team’s main motto this year is simple, “Hard Work”. Kielmeyer said it represents the effort, discipline, and dedication it will take for the Wildcats to reach their goals.
One of the key returning players is senior Brandon Peebles, who played a major role in last year’s campaign. Now stepping into a larger leadership position being a senior, Peebles said he feels grateful for another chance to compete with his teammates and coaches after a tough end to last season.
Peebles shared that he and his team’s focus this year is on being more vocal and setting an example for younger players. “The difference this year will be our mindset,” Peebles said. “We have the talent; now it’s about playing as hard as possible and staying focused.”
Peebles’ ultimate goal for the season is to help lead Westerville South to a state championship; a goal he admits is ambitious but achievable if the team stays disciplined and motivated.
Senior Hassan Kaba echoed that focus on growth and teamwork. “I hope we can take a step forward from last year and bring home a championship to the school,” Kaba said. “The North game is always a tough one with the crazy atmosphere and all the emotions.”
While he wasn’t at tryouts or conditioning, Kaba said his main goal is to “take another big step forward from last year as a player and a leader.”
Kielmeyer said players like Kaba, Peebles, and senior Jaysen Mallory will be key leaders this season, along with sophomore Xavier Jones, who was named Honorable Mention All-State as a freshman.
“Those four guys set the tone for us,” Kielmeyer said. “They know what it takes to compete at a high level, and they’re the ones driving the standard in practice every day.”
This year, the Wildcats want to play fast and aggressive. “We intend to excel in offensive transition and to guard the full 94 feet,” Kielmeyer said. They are expecting to have success with a fast offensive tempo and also be relentless defensively.
The team also added a few new faces, including transfers Darjhon Knight (Beechcroft), Taryn Walters (Hilliard Darby), and Gary Jones (Westerville Central). Kielmeyer said all three will have the chance to earn playing time early on.
Over the offseason, the team worked on improving their skills, outside shooting, and competitiveness. “We have an excellent schedule,” Kielmeyer said. “If we don’t look forward to every last game, we’ll get our teeth kicked in.”
The Wildcats know last season’s struggles are behind them, but they’re determined to turn things around with a stronger mindset and better chemistry this winter.
Emily Whitehead, a senior who often watches the games from the student section, said she’s “excited to see how the team looks this year.” She added that she can “already tell the energy feels different and that the players seem a lot more connected both on and off the court”.
With new leadership, strong returners, and a hard-working attitude, Westerville South is ready for a fresh start. “If we keep working the way we have been,” Kielmeyer said, “this season can be something special.”
Their first game is set for Dec. 2 against Olentangy High School, where they’ll look to set the tone for what could be a special season.
