2025 Galena Grizzlies Boys and Girls Basketball Season Previews

2025 Galena Grizzlies Boys Basketball Season Preview

By: J. Ray Dockter

Head Coach: Duke Howard, 3^rd Season as Head Coach at Galena HS

2024 Record: 9-16 OVERALL, 5-11 League

Key Returners: With only one returning starter from last season every player (1-5) on the floor will all need to be versatile, physical, quick, mentally resilient, tough and play with a High IQ for The Grizzlies.

OVERVIEW: The Galena Grizzlies enter the 2025-26 season with renewed energy and a clear sense of direction under Head Coach Duke Howard, who is now in his third season as the leading man for The Grizz. Howard previously coached The Grizzlies during the 2017-2018 season, in which they were ‘Final Four’ participants during The Northern Regional Tournament, while being led by future fringe NBA player Moses Wood. After several years of coaching transitions, and inconsistent results Galena turned to Howard once again before last season to reignite the Grizzlies program. The Grizzlies have finished in the bottom half of the league every season since 2021-2022; they are looking for a fresh start and are eager to turn the page and establish themselves as a competitive force within the league and region once again. With a roster that returns only one starter from last season and a staff that is focused on culture, the upcoming season offers The Boys of South Reno a chance to redefine their identity and return to their higher standard of performance from yesteryear.

A major focal point for The Grizzlies this year is their commitment to playing up-tempo, aggressive basketball, while emphasizing transition opportunities and high-percentage shots offensively. Coach Howard wants his team to push the pace, attack mismatches, and create easier scoring chances by staying active and disciplined without the ball. This renewed offensive approach is complemented by a defensive foundation built on accountability, communication, and pressure – the three core pillars that Galena’s coaching staff believes must be present on every possession. With the players embracing these expectations, the team hopes to show meaningful improvement at both ends of the floor.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Coach Howard has made it clear that the heart of the program rests on competing with toughness, hustling through every drill, every play and most importantly having fun together as a group. The coaching staff believe that when players enjoy the process, trust one another, and play with unmatched energy, the wins will naturally follow. As the Grizzlies prepare to embark on the new season, they are driven by their desire to recapture the glory of the team’s who came before them while rebuilding momentum and taking meaningful steps toward becoming a competitive team once again.

Without further ado, here are Coach Howard’s answers to our questions we asked him last month…

What Can We Expect From Your Team This Season... Offensively?

Up-tempo and unselfish – [we want to] push the pace. Our focus will be on spacing, high percentage opportunities and valuing possessions.

What Can We Expect From Your Team This Season... Defensively?

Accountability. Tough, connected, gritty and relentless. Our focus and factors will be: pressure, communication, and rebounding.

What Can We Expect From Your Team This Season... Style of Play?

High energy and team-first mentality. Unity is a cornerstone within our program culture. Playing every possession with hustle, staying in character and having fun!

What Is The Key To Your Team’s Success This Season?

Team chemistry and commitment to defense.

Who Do You Feel Are The Teams To Beat In The North?

Every night will be a battle - there's no easy game in both leagues.

Spanish Springs, Reno, Bishop Manogue, Damonte Ranch, Douglas, Reed, McQueen, Carson... [it’s an] endless list.

What Is The Best Part About Coaching High School athletics?

Relationships. Young athletes growing into young adults. Recognizing how special they learn to live through competitive camaraderie, life lessons [are] beyond wins and losses. Manifesting their own character as once an athlete (basketball, baseball, tennis, wrestling) and later transitioning into lovely people. [It’s truly] Awesome!

2025 Galena Grizzlies Girls Basketball Season Preview

By: J. Ray Dockter

Head Coach: Tyler Edwards, 1st Season as Head Coach at Galena HS

2024 Record: 8-19 OVERALL, 2-14 League

Key Returners:

OVERVIEW: The Galena Grizzlies enter the 2025-26 season with a revitalized sense of purpose under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Tyler Edwards, who takes over a program rich in potential and built on a strong returning core. With the transition to a new coaching staff, the team aims to establish a fresh identity while building on the experience gained in recent seasons. Expectations are high as the Grizzlies prepare to blend new philosophies with established talent, hoping to elevate their play and set the tone for a new era of basketball at Galena.

Offensively, the Grizzlies look to embrace a fast, unselfish style of play designed to create rhythm, movement, and high-quality shot opportunities. Coach Edwards plans for the team to maintain an energetic pace from start to finish, pushing the ball in transition and attacking before defenses can get set. On the defensive end, the Grizzlies aim to build their identity around pesky, disruptive pressure while using hustle and aggressiveness to create turnovers and force opponents out of their comfort zone. Leading the way are the team's three returning starters from last season, who bring experience, consistency, and leadership as they guide a roster filled with developing talent.

Perhaps the greatest focus for this year's squad is playing with joy, confidence and trust; values the new coaching staff emphasizes daily. Coach Edwards and the staff are energized by the group's attitude, commitment, and willingness to embrace new expectations. As the season unfolds, they're eager to watch the team grow, improve and learn to compete together at a high level. With a promising mix of leadership and youthful energy, the Grizzlies look poised to take meaningful steps forward and build a foundation for sustained success in the seasons ahead.

Without further ado, here are Coach Edwards answers to our questions we asked him last month...

What Can We Expect From Your Team This Season... Offensively?

Fast pace and unselfish shot selection across the team.

What Can We Expect From Your Team This Season... Defensively?

Different looks taking advantage of [our] team strengths.

What Can We Expect From Your Team This Season... Style of Play?

Energetic pace, [and a] pesky defensive style.

What Is The Key To Your Team's Success This Season?

Playing with joy.

Who Do You Feel Are The Teams To Beat In The North?

Spanish Springs, Reno and Bishop Manogue.

What Is The Best Part About Coaching High School Athletics?

Getting to see the progress.