After summer league win, Auburn boys basketball looks forward

Trojans are getting thrown into unfamiliar territory once the league season starts.

By Benjamin Ray • July 9, 2024 11:30 am

After a disappointing showing in the state tournament, Auburn High School is looking to rebound and rebuild for the 2024-25 basketball season.

“It is a group of kids that have grown up in a program of winning basketball games. When they take the floor, they expect to win. It doesn’t matter who is across from them… This group is still learning and has a lot to learn, but I am proud of them this summer,” Head Coach Ryan Hansen said.

The Trojans will have a few new faces running the floor. After winning the summer league that they hosted, and playing down in Phoenix inside State Farm Stadium, the men of Troy have all signs pointing forward.

Hansen is no stranger to rebuilding or restructuring a program. With the absence of Jaylen Petty after a transfer and the graduation of Luvens Valcin, a new crop of Trojans are ready to roll.

It has been an adventurous summer for the Trojans, and the tournament in Arizona was special for everyone involved. Not only were there top college coaches in attendance, but the Auburn players learned a lot about themselves.

“It was an unbelievable experience. It was my third best experience as a basketball coach in my career… I think we got a lot better playing down there, playing the competition that we did,” Hansen said.

Carter Hansen is tasked with leading the offense in his junior year. He has made significant strides every year of his high school career with this year requiring the biggest step of them all.

“He is our most experienced senior player coming back. He’s stepping into a role where we might need him to be more aggressive and score the ball a little bit more,” Hansen said.

Another player to watch is Chase Mentink. As a perimeter player with the ability to gash a defense, Mentink has stepped up and has been the vocal leader that great teams require.

“He has stepped into the leadership position. He has been our vocal leader and really trying to challenge the guys,” Hansen said.

Auburn is getting thrown into unfamiliar territory once the league season starts. They are now playing at the 4A level, playing against the likes of Tahoma, Kentwood, Kennedy Catholic and fellow newcomers Stadium. New opponents lead to new challenges that are exciting for Hansen: “Our league is going to be really fun. No more 30-40 point victories for us… It is going to be a battle every night. It is going to be a lot fun to play in a league where every game matters and you have to show up every night.”