Colby Boys Basketball Preview

A new era begins for Colby boys’ basketball this winter as first-year head coach Reed Stephens takes over the program, stepping into the role previously held by his father, longtime coach Tom Stephens. Though it is his first season at the helm, Reed is far from a newcomer. He spent the past two years as Colby’s assistant coach and brings a lifetime steeped in basketball—playing at multiple collegiate stops and coaching at both the high school and junior college levels.

Now, with a roster featuring seven seniors, strong chemistry, and a fast-paced offensive identity, Stephens says he is more excited than nervous. “I’ve been around basketball my whole life,” he said. “I’m just excited. I wish it was Friday already.”

A Senior-Heavy Team Looking to Make Its Own Name

Colby returns just one varsity starter from last year’s squad—dynamic guard Jordan Jones, who averaged roughly 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game and enters the winter as the Eagles’ offensive anchor. “He fits in with any team,” Stephens said. “He’s experienced, he’s steady, and he’s the guy we trust to run the point for us.”

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While varsity experience is limited, team chemistry is not. The remaining seniors—Cody Wright, Josiah Hoppe, Cobin Curry, Kade Youngman, Kaleb Dixon, and Caleb Cersovsky—have spent years playing together at the JV level. Stephens believes that foundation gives Colby a unique advantage early. “They’ve all been playing together. They know each other well. Even without a lot of varsity minutes, they’re connected.”

Stephens announced his likely starting five for opening night: Jones, Wright, Youngman, Curry, and Hoppe, a lineup that gives Colby size, length, and continuity.

An Offense Built for Both Pace and Patience

With Kansas now adopting the shot clock statewide next season—and GWAC already using it—Stephens plans to blend tempo with discipline.

“We’ll run the floor if we can, but we also need to be disciplined enough to pull it out and run sets when nothing is there,” he said. “Basketball is fast-paced by nature, especially with the shot clock, but I want us to do both—play fast and get good looks in the half court.”

Jones will direct the offense as the primary ball handler, but Stephens noted that Colby’s system allows multiple players to push the ball when needed.

Early Takeaways from the Jamboree

Colby participated in the Jamboree this week, giving Stephens his first opportunity to evaluate his team against outside competition. He said the biggest positive was how well the Eagles played together.

“We saw some good things. The guys played hard, and they played together,” he said. “It was nice to see different looks from different teams instead of just going against our own guys every day.”

Though the Jamboree format is limited, Stephens said it helped confirm that his group is ready to compete.

A Tough Schedule Awaits

The Eagles will not ease into the winter. They open Friday at Ulysses, a team that returns several varsity contributors and will provide an immediate test.

“Ulysses didn’t lose much,” Stephens said. “There’s never an easy game in the GWAC. You have to be ready every night.”

The schedule expanded statewide from 20 to 23 games this season, meaning no more light weeks or extra off-days. Colby added challenging contests with TMP, Larned, and Garden City, bolstering what was already a demanding slate.

“There are no games off now,” Stephens said. “We’re going to be tested, but I think we’re going to surprise people. We have good pieces, and if we play together the way I know we can, we can make a good run this season.”

A New Chapter with High Belief

Despite roster turnover and new leadership, Stephens sees something special in this group—an identity rooted in effort, chemistry, and belief.

“People may overlook us,” he said. “But I’m not overlooking anyone, and I’m not overlooking our guys either. I think we have what it takes. We just need to play to our strengths and trust the system.”

For the first time in his career, Stephens will walk the sideline as a varsity head coach. And for a team filled with seniors who have waited their turn, the timing feels right for Colby to carve out its own place in the GWAC landscape.

by Derek White