by James Tate

Head Coach: Mike Russell

2025-2026 record: Overall (14-10) Region (9-3)

West Field enters the 2026–27 season with swagger, depth, and a renewed culture, ready to turn last year’s lessons into fuel. With Second Team All‑Region junior Drew Faddis leading a veteran core and a senior class stacked with contributors, the Longhorns look primed to make serious noise in region play and into the state tournament.

A new energy after a season of lessons

Last year’s Longhorns showed flashes of being one of the region’s toughest teams. A four‑game region win streak proved they could compete with anyone, and even though a late skid dropped them to second place, West Field still finished 14–10 overall and 9–3 in region, a strong step for a growing program.

Head Coach Mike Russell believes those ups and downs were exactly what his team needed.

“As we turn the page to season three, I am very happy with where the program is currently at,” Coach Russell said. “You will notice more maturity in our program from top to bottom, and that comes with experience and familiarity with our coaching staff’s expectations.”

That maturity is already showing in workouts, leadership, and how this group carries itself.

Maddux Purser

Offseason grind: Defense, strength, and sharpshooting

If there’s one thing West Field didn’t do this offseason, it’s relax. Coach Russell and his staff pushed the team to elevate every part of their game.

“We focused heavily on improving our team defense and overall physical conditioning/strength this offseason,” Coach Russell said.

The Longhorns also attacked one of last year’s weaknesses head‑on.

“We have also tried to incorporate more shooting into our workouts because that was an area that was very average and inconsistent for us last year,” Coach Russell said.

The result is a stronger, faster, tougher, and more accurate team, a group built to finish games the way last year’s team couldn’t.

Faddis leads a loaded, veteran‑powered lineup

The hype starts with junior Drew Faddis, one of the region’s most dynamic returning players. After averaging 13 points and 5.7 rebounds, Faddis returns as a proven scorer, rebounder, and leader.

Russell sees big things ahead.

“Drew Faddis has been working hard, and we are excited to have him back,” Coach Russell said. “He will be surrounded by a lot of pieces that I think make us a more well-rounded/balanced team this season.”

Those pieces form one of West Field’s deepest and most experienced groups in the program’s young three years. Senior Maddux Purser returns as a starter and brings versatility as both a guard and forward, giving the Longhorns a matchup‑proof option who can play anywhere on the floor. Senior guard Karter Rich returns with varsity experience and a steady presence in the backcourt. Senior forward Jaxxon Gerace adds toughness and familiarity with the system, strengthening the interior rotation. Senior Gavin Ortegon is someone to watch, maybe on the court.

Karter Rich

The senior class doesn’t stop there. Payton Engelke, Korver Van Beekum, DJ White, and Tavyn James are all poised to step into meaningful roles. Each brings athleticism, toughness, and the hunger to contribute to a team with high expectations.

Coach Russell believes this expanded group is a major step forward.

“We will also have much more depth, Coach Russell said. “We have players that have been with us for two and three years now that are ready to contribute, which will be huge for us.”

Depth wins games. Depth wins seasons. And West Field finally has it.

Outlook: A hungry, confident, battle‑ready Longhorns squad

The Longhorns aren’t just improved; they’re motivated. They’re experienced. They’re deep. And they’re ready. With a stronger culture, a tougher defensive identity, and a roster full of veterans who know the system, West Field enters 2026–27 with the pieces to compete for the region crown, and maybe more.

This team isn’t just aiming to bounce back. They’re aiming to break through.

photos courtesy of James Tate