After a humbling 14-15 season, Briar Cliff men’s basketball is gearing up for a redemption story in 2025-26. But here's where it gets intriguing: can they bounce back from their first sub-.500 finish since 2020-21, especially after losing two of their top scorers? That’s the million-dollar question looming over Sioux City, Iowa, as the team prepares for what promises to be a pivotal year.
The departure of Matthew Stilwill, a two-time All-GPAC First Team standout, and Jamison Helmers leaves a significant scoring void. However, the Chargers aren’t starting from scratch. They’re bringing back seasoned players like Blake Sindelar and Jaxson Wingert, who are poised to lead the charge. Sindelar, in particular, stands out as the team’s top returning scorer, averaging 13.9 points per game on an impressive 47% shooting accuracy. His consistency will be crucial as the team aims to climb back to the top of the conference.
And this is the part most people miss: Wingert, now a sophomore, is ready to take a giant leap forward. After starting all 29 games last season and averaging 11.7 points and over four rebounds per game, he’s no longer just a promising talent—he’s a cornerstone of the team’s future. His growth could be the X-factor in Briar Cliff’s resurgence.
Head coach Mark Svagera is laser-focused on the bigger picture. “We’re not just playing games; we’re building habits,” he emphasizes. “Our goal is to compete at the top of the conference and secure a spot in the NAIA National Tournament. It’s about the daily grind and staying committed to our vision.” But here’s the controversial part: With a mix of returning players and new transfers, some fans are questioning whether this team has the chemistry to gel quickly enough to make a deep run. What do you think? Is this squad ready to contend, or will they need more time to find their rhythm?
Wingert, for one, is confident in the team’s progress. “Everyone’s stepping up, even the guys who might not see much playing time,” he notes. “The energy in practice is electric, and we’re all pushing each other to be better. We’re ready to make some noise this season.”
The journey begins on October 24th, when Briar Cliff hosts Mount Mercy at 7:30 p.m. Will this be the start of a triumphant comeback, or will the Chargers face another uphill battle? One thing’s for sure: this season won’t lack drama. What’s your prediction for Briar Cliff’s 2025-26 campaign? Let us know in the comments!
