The second state championship appearance in program history, a buzzer-beating dunk to win the sectional final, Ironmen head coach Mr. David Witzig’s 500th career win—The 2023-24 Ironmen had a storied season, to say the least. With a lineup packed with size and experience—including five seniors, all 6-foot-4 or taller—the team surged to a 32-6 record.

Despite graduating key players like Braylon Roman, Niko Newsome, Noah Cleveland, Dexter Niekamp and Jaheem Webber, a slew of familiar faces return to represent the orange and black in 2024-25. Eight players from last season’s rotation, five of whom saw significant minutes, are back.

As the season tips off, here are five things to know about the 2024-25 Ironmen basketball squad.

1. The Ironmen Are Big… Again

Last season, Community boasted three players listed at 6-foot-9 or above, rostering seven athletes 6-foot-4 or taller.

While the 2024-25 roster is shorter, that doesn’t mean the Ironmen are short on height. This year, eight Ironmen are listed at 6-foot-3 or taller, including the 6-foot-9 Kobe Walker, a Central Michigan commit.

Walker, who backed up now-Southern Illinois Saluki Jaheem Webber for two seasons, averaged five points and five rebounds in just 11 minutes per game as a junior. A staple of the Mid Pro Academy offseason circuit, Walker sharpened his skills against top-tier competition in events like the Chi-Town Showcase and NY2LA Next Level Invitational. His dedication paid off, earning him seven Division I offers.

But size isn’t limited to the towering Walker or the center position alone. Senior Owen Osborn (6-foot-5) played key minutes last season, even stepping into the starting lineup filling in for Dexter Neikamp. The guard/forward, was eighth in minutes played last season with the swingman averaging two points and 1.4 rebounds in seven minutes/game last season. 

Osborn, alongside returning seniors 6-foot-5 Gabe Nege and 6-foot-3 forward Caleb Tyus, gives Community a versatile frontcourt with size and skill.

2. Young Talent Fuels the Future

Freshman forward Chase Kasten, one of two underclassmen on the varsity roster, is a name to know. At 6-foot-3, Kasten can make an immediate impact on the floor, pairing the ability to slam it home with a silky smooth jumper. The bouncy forward has shifty moves and strong court awareness, something that will only develop over the season. 

Alongside Kasten is sophomore Jarrel Brown, who started on JV last season as a freshman—and was dominant. As a freshman, Brown averaged 10 points (a team-second) and two assists (third). At 6-foot-6, Brown’s length and versatility stand out among a group of juniors like Kelan Augstin, Carter Harris and Andrew Naour, who all excelled at the JV.

The trio each were within the top three in three major statistical categories. The 6-foot-3 Augstin was first in scoring and boards, Harris (6-foot-5) led the team in efficiency as a unicorn big and Naour was second only to Trey Birditt in steals and assists.

Last season, with two transfers in Niko Newsome and Connor Smith paired with Noah Cleveland’s return to the Ironmen, Community’s varsity squad struggled at times with communication and team chemistry. That doesn’t look to be an issue this season as the young Ironmen have demonstrated the ability to play cohesively and share the spotlight at the JV level.

3. Experienced Guards

Senior Connor Smith emerged as a sharpshooting sixth man last season, finishing second in three-point makes and fifth in scoring for the Ironmen. He’ll join Osborn, another capable perimeter threat, in spacing the floor.

The Iron won’t just rely on their guards to shoot the three ball with Marcus Russell’s ability to attack the rack and utility man Trey Birditt.

Birditt, a scrappy junior who can do a little bit of everything, adds variety to the backcourt: last season, averaging one point, one rebound, one assist and .5 steals per game.

4. Filling the Defensive Void

Roman and Webber led the Ironmen defensively last season, topping the team in steals and blocks, respectively.

The Ironmen defense doesn’t look to be lacking ahead of this campaign, as Community boasts strong defensive pieces in Russell and Walker.

Russell is Roman’s heir apparant on defense. A 6-foot-one senior who has dressed varsity since his sophomore year, Russell won the Iron’s Gold Chart Award for hustle last year, an accolade he took home despite finishing 10th in minutes last season.

Russell has earned himself a reputation as a defensive anchor. And a nuisance. Despite his limited minutes, Russell consistently disrupted opposing offenses by utilizing his speed and wingspan.

Walker, known for his shot-blocking, will protect the newly renovated free-throw lane as he steps into a starting role.

5. A Tough Schedule Awaits

The Ironmen will face significant tests this season, including the annual Intercity tournament, the State Farm Classic, the MLK Tourney and the Midwest Crossroads Classic.

Key non-conference matchups include games against Mt. Zion, Waubonsie Valley, Morton, Moline and Pekin—teams with a combined 134-28 record last year.

Cirlce the Jan. 24 showdown at Mt. Zion on the calendar. The Braves, who finished 35-3, claimed fourth place in the IHSA 3A state competition.

Other marquee games include a Jan. 4 home tilt against Morton, a team that lost just five games last season, and a road game against Waubonsie Valley, one of only six teams to defeat the Ironmen last season.

Tests like these are essential for a team aiming for another deep postseason run.

While this season’s Iron may look to lack meaningful varsity game minutes, make no mistake—they don’t lack in experience. They are coming off a season plus of practicing and scrimmaging against one of the tallest, toughest lineups in the state in last year’s starting five.

With a mix of size, skill and youth, Community is ready to build on its storied 2023-24 campaign.