by James Tate

Head Coach: Jacob Lower

2025-2026 record: Overall (2-21) Region (0-12)

After enduring a difficult 2-21 campaign a year ago, the Bonneville Lakers are determined to turn the page. Under Head Coach Jacob Lower, this winter’s focus extends beyond wins and losses, centering on building a program identity rooted in connection, effort, and accountability.

The Lakers enter the 2026-27 season with a veteran core returning valuable varsity experience, highlighted by junior post Bryson Landis and a group of upperclassmen eager to prove the program is headed in the right direction. While last year’s record brought its share of challenges, Coach Lower believes the adversity helped build a foundation for growth that is already showing.

“We want to be the most connected and hardest-playing team in the state,” Coach Lower said. “We talk about building that through joy, intensity and unity.”

For Coach Lower, establishing that culture starts with confidence. After a season filled with growing pains, the Lakers have made it a priority to create an environment where players enjoy coming to the gym, trust one another and understand the value of their daily effort.

That mindset is expected to translate directly to the court. Bonneville wants to be a team that communicates on defense, battles for rebounds and loose balls, and stays together when adversity strikes. Offensively, the emphasis will be on sharing the basketball, creating opportunities for teammates and playing with purpose.

“We want to establish an identity that holds up when we miss a few shots, fall behind, or face a tough stretch,” Coach Lower said.

Bryson Landis

Veteran leadership anchors the Lakers

Leading the way will be Landis, whose continued development gives the Lakers a versatile post centerpiece. Coach Lower praised Landis not only for his growth as a player but also for the leadership role he has embraced heading into his senior season.

“Bryson’s biggest strength is his desire to win,” Coach Lower said. “He cares deeply about this team and has put a ton of time into developing his game.”

No longer limited to a traditional back-to-the-basket role, Landis has expanded his skill set, allowing Bonneville to utilize him in a variety of ways on both ends of the floor. His versatility gives the Lakers opportunities to exploit mismatches while opening space for teammates.

Beyond Landis, Bonneville expects leadership to come from several experienced seniors who have spent years building chemistry within the program. Ryder Stratford brings a vocal presence and competitive energy, while Cohen Cypers provides a steady example through his work ethic and experience after starting as a junior.

The Lakers will also look for significant contributions from seniors Gavin Bachman, Hudson Elexperu, Ridge Randall, and Ethan Johnson. Each brings valuable varsity experience and depth to a veteran roster that features numerous upperclassmen capable of impacting games in different ways. Their leadership, versatility, and willingness to embrace team roles will be important as Bonneville works to establish a more consistent and competitive identity throughout the season.

The Lakers were also expecting junior Max Miller to play a significant role this season before he suffered a torn ACL during the preseason. Despite the setback, Coach Lower emphasized the team’s commitment to supporting Miller throughout his recovery.

Cohen Cypers

Defense expected to drive improvement

Bonneville hopes to see its biggest improvement on the defensive end. The Lakers have made defense a primary focus throughout the offseason, emphasizing communication, positioning, and consistent effort.

“I expect our biggest growth to come on the defensive end,” Coach Lower said. “We’ve made defense a renewed focus, and we have a clear plan for how we want to play.”

That defensive identity will be the catalyst for Bonneville’s preferred style. Once the Lakers secure stops and rebounds, they want to push the pace and create a fast, exciting brand of basketball fueled by teamwork and unselfish play.

Coach Lower said the team’s chemistry has been one of its biggest strengths throughout the offseason. Bonneville enjoyed a successful spring and summer schedule, gaining valuable experience in close games while developing trust and confidence in one another.

With a veteran group returning, a renewed commitment to defense and a strong emphasis on culture, the Lakers believe they can take meaningful steps forward this winter. Last year’s record may not reflect where the program wants to be. Still, Bonneville enters the new season confident that its progress, connection, and competitive spirit can lead to better results in 2026-27.

photos courtesy of James Tate