by James Tate
Head Coach: Kane Stokes
2025-2026 Record: Overall (6-15) Region (1-7)
After finishing 6-15 overall and 1-7 in Region 1 last season, the Layton Lancers will begin a new chapter in 2025-26 under first-year head coach Kane Stokes.
Coach Stokes enters his 14th season as a coach and takes over a program he hopes will be known for far more than wins and losses. While competing for championships remains the ultimate goal, his vision starts with building confident young women and creating a family atmosphere throughout the program.
“I am humbled and grateful to be going into my 14th coaching season,” Coach Stokes said. “Our primary vision for the Lancers is to enable our players to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and confident individuals while building a championship-caliber team through defensive grit.”
Coach Stokes emphasizes what he calls “holistic excellence,” developing players both on and off the court while fostering accountability, communication, and unity throughout the program.
The foundation of the Lancers’ identity will be built around defensive intensity.
“We want to be known as a fierce, defensive-minded team,” Coach Stokes said. “Our identity is built on grit, extreme physicality, aggressive full-court man-to-man pressure, and an absolute commitment to boxing out and rebounding.”
Kenley Bennie
Bennie, Henry Lead Returning Core for Lancers
Leading the returners is junior guard Kenley Bennie, who emerged as one of Layton’s top playmakers last season. Bennie averaged 9.1 points per game while leading the team with 2.8 steals per contest, impacting both ends of the floor.
Senior Kaymbree Henry returns as the team’s leading rebounder after averaging 4.9 boards per game while contributing 5.7 points per outing. Her experience and presence inside should provide stability for a youthful roster looking to take the next step.
Additional contributors expected to play key roles include seniors Jaime Vowles, Avery Cooper, Lizzie Horne and Hana Lee, along with sophomore Kennedy Henry.
As tryouts conclude and preparations begin for the season, Coach Stokes is emphasizing accountability, basketball IQ, and mental preparation. The Lancers will work with sports psychologist and mental performance coach Jon Osborn throughout the season, with a heavy emphasis on skill development, defensive concepts, and film study.
“We are challenging our players to become true students of their craft,” Coach Stokes said.
Kaymbree Henry
Defensive mindset shapes Stokes’ vision
Off the court, the expectations are equally high. Stokes wants his players recognized for character, academic integrity, and community involvement. The program regularly monitors grades and attendance while requiring players to participate in community service opportunities throughout the year.
Despite inheriting a team that won just one region game a season ago, Coach Stokes believes success begins with mastering the details.
“To win a championship, you must execute lockdown defense,” Coach Stokes said. “We expect to compete at the highest level by mastering the little things like moving our feet, helping the helper, and limiting opponents to a single possession.”
With experienced returners, a commitment to culture, and a coach determined to establish a defensive identity, the Lancers enter the 2026-27 season eager to begin a new era of Layton girls basketball.
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