2025 Reno Huskies Boys and Girls Basketball Season Previews

2025 Reno Huskies Boys Basketball Season Preview

By: J. Ray Dockter

Head Coach: Matt Ochs, 14th Season as Head Coach at Reno HS

2024 Record: 18-9 OVERALL, 10-6 League

Key Returners: Eric Platz, Crew Higgins, Logan Harlan, Brendan Casey, Ezra Sambrano, Breck Schellin, Bodee Lyman and James Williams

OVERVIEW: The Reno Huskies enter the 2025-26 season with their sights set on yet another regional championship. Entering his fourteenth season at the helm, Coach Matt Ochs leads the Huskies once again as they look to establish their identity through chemistry, competitive fire, and discipline. With more than a decade of leadership rooted in development and team-first values, Coach Ochs aims to guide the Huskies into another season defined by growth and a collective team-first effort. Although the Huskies return just one starter from last year's lineup, the coaching staff is confident that the roster has bought into the blueprint of playing for each other and embracing the program's standard of accountability. The season ahead represents a fresh opportunity for this group to forge their own path and showcase their true potential.

This season, on offense, the Huskies plan to play up-tempo and unselfishly, focusing on crisp ball movement and attacking the floor with pace and space. The expectation is for each possession to involve multiple touches, smart reads, and players willing to make the extra pass and create opportunities for their teammates to get the best possible shot every time down the floor. Defensively, Coach Ochs and his staff intend to mix schemes, shifting between man-to-man assignments and disciplined zone looks to keep opponents off balance. A major point of emphasis will be the team's commitment to outrebounding opponents, using their toughness, positioning and collective effort to control the glass and generate additional scoring chances for themselves.

While only one returning starter, Eric Platz, anchors the lineup, Coach Ochs and his staff expect up to eight players to contribute consistently as part of a deep, flexible rotation. The Huskies team identity will be shaped by their hard-working mentality, tough-minded approach, and their unselfishness, all traits the coaching staff believes will help them compete every night. With emerging contributors stepping into larger roles and the group embracing a culture built on effort and togetherness, the team is optimistic about their potential. As the season unfolds, the goal is to grow steadily, develop chemistry, and become a cohesive unit capable of contending come seasons end, I like their chances.

Without further ado, here are Coach Ochs' answers to our questions we asked him last month…

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

Offensively we will try to share the basketball and play unselfishly. We hope to play more up-tempo this season.

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

Defensively we will mix defenses and attempt to outrebound [our] opponents.

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

[The Huskies] Style of play will be unselfish, hard working and tough minded in nature.

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

[The] Key to [our] success is unselfish play and supporting team goals.

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

Northern Nevada has tremendous teams and coaches at all schools. Bishop Manogue and Spanish Springs will be some of the favorites.

What Is The Best Part About Coaching High School athletics?

[The] Best part of coaching is the relationship we get to build with tremendous young people. Seeing them grow into their best selves is a blessing.

2025 Reno Huskies Girls Basketball Season Preview

By: J. Ray Dockter

Head Coach: Julie Rippingham, 7th Season as Head Coach at Reno HS

2024 Record: 24-5 OVERALL, 14-2 League; 4A Northern Region Champions, 4A State Runner-Up’s (Lost to Legacy in State Championship Game)

Key Returners: Violet Gordon – Brings team leadership and scoring. Brookesly Wilson – Brings energy, [rebounding] and scoring. Eva Houston – Brings strength and rebounding. Gwen Sala – Brings a strong defensive attitude and leadership. Mia Carranza – Brings energy, quickness, and scoring.

OVERVIEW: The Reno Huskies enter the 2025-26 season with confidence and momentum after a remarkable campaign that included a second-place regular season league finish, a Northern 4A Regional Championship Title, and an impressive run to a second-place finish at the State Tournament. Last year’s postseason surge showcased the program’s grit, versatility, and ability to rise in high-pressure moments. With last season marking their second state tournament appearance of the decade, The Huskies have firmly established themselves as one of the most consistent contenders in the North.

Under the direction of Head Coach Julie Rippingham, The Huskies continue to elevate their expectations and competitive standard. Coach Rippingham’s emphasis on communication, discipline and teamwork played a major role in the squad’s postseason success, and the upcoming season promises to build upon that foundation. With a balanced system designed to maximize play together and support one another, the Huskies are positioned to once again challenge for league, regional and state supremacy.

Much of the excitement surrounding this year’s team comes from the return of their three standout players; Violet Gordon, Brookesly Wilson, and Eva Houston, each of whom played pivotal roles in last season’s championship run. Reno’s three returning stars bring leadership, championship experience, and offensive firepower, each one of them averaged over 10 PPG to go along with more than 5 RPG and an assist per contest, to a roster that blends veteran presence with emerging young talent. Their continued growth, combined with the program’s proven ability to develop new contributors, makes the Huskies a formidable threat as they begin their pursuit of another deep postseason push and a possible return to the state tournament.

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

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

Teamwork and finishing at the basket.

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

Anticipation and communication will be key.

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

Finishing at the basket is a key [offensively], along with solid team defense. [The Huskies] team expectation is to play together and support each other.

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

Team defense and offensive execution.

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

Spanish Springs, and Reed.

What Is The Best Part About Coaching High School athletics?

Watching the players evolve and grow into amazing athletes.