by James Tate

Head Coach: Kyle Bullinger

2026-2027- Record: Overall (11-13) Region (6-6)

The Bees enter the 2026-27 season believing they have the experience and depth to take a significant step forward.

After finishing 11-13 overall and 6-6 in Region 5 during head coach Kyle Bullinger’s first season at Box Elder, the Bees return nearly their entire roster. The only departure from last year’s team is starting guard Gunnar Gunderson, leaving the Bees with a veteran group that gained valuable experience while battling adversity throughout the season.

“Our players improved significantly over the spring, summer and fall,” Coach Bullinger said. “The difference between a kid’s junior and senior year can be substantial, especially in areas such as strength and conditioning, and right now, watching practice, we look a year bigger, faster and stronger.”

Bullinger said establishing a culture of effort and enthusiasm was a primary objective during his first season.

“From a system standpoint, the most important thing we wanted to develop in year one was the expectation of hard work and enthusiasm every day,” Coach Bullinger said. “With this great group of kids, we feel like that’s been established.”

Krew Peterson

Building a foundation

Leading the way is a senior class that has already overcome its share of challenges. Seniors Ryan Jenson, Jaxon Jeppsen and Krew Peterson headline a group that weathered coaching changes and injuries throughout their careers.

Peterson, a Second Team All-Region selection, led the team in scoring with 10.5 points per game, three pointers made (45) and assists (3.0 apg). Jenson averaged 8.3 points per game, and Jeppsen kept the balance going with 7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

“This senior class has been through more turbulence than any group that I’ve seen in my 15 years coaching,” Coach Bullinger said. “There’s really nothing that can be thrown at these guys that will rattle their cage.”

That resilience has translated into leadership.

“These seniors are definitely leading through confidence, enthusiasm and the energy they bring every day,” Coach Bullinger said. “All of them saw significant minutes or started last season, and that is evident in the way they’re practicing right now.”

Ryan Jenson

Senior leaders set the tone

Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism is the overall depth of the roster, including junior Eli Gilmore, who averaged 9.5 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game last year.

“The obvious strengths for our squad will be our experience and our depth,” Coach Bullinger said. “This is, top to bottom, the most complete roster that I’ve ever coached.”

Bullinger believes the daily competition in practice will prepare the Bees for a challenging schedule and what is expected to be another highly competitive Region 5 race.

“We believe our ability to compete with one another daily will allow us to compete nightly once we start playing games,” Coach Bullinger said. “Our preseason schedule is difficult by design, and we believe our experience and depth are well-suited to take it on before we enter what should be an ultra-competitive Region 5.”

For a program that returns nearly its entire roster, the combination of experience, depth and continuity has generated plenty of optimism as the Bees look to take the next step this winter.

photos courtesy of James Tate