The East Grand Rapids boys basketball team knows that this season will look different. With several key seniors graduating and a tough early schedule ahead, the Pioneers are leaning on their team chemistry, competitive spirit, and a new set of leaders stepping into bigger roles. The captains for this season are 

“I was choosing between IBL and Varsity,” Grant Adloff ‘27 said, “I wanted to play IBL with my friends, but Zach Caswell changed my thoughts, so I’m playing for him.” 

The season is going to be built on the relationships between the boys. 

“I look up to Zach Caswell because he just brings the energy and is great to be around,” Adloff said. 

A couple of the boys transitioned straight from the football season to the basketball season, bringing their bond and their skills with them. Their football background brings another layer of toughness to the court. 

“It’s the same mentality with finishing plays and not giving up,” Adloff said. 

Adloff’s personal goals of making all-conference represent his determination, but also his confidence in the rest of the team. 

Center Cole Bertke ‘26 brings a different storyline to the season. His season is going to be defined by hard work and patience, as he works to recover from the injury of his fractured fibula during football season. 

“It’s my senior season, so I thought I might as well get out there and play,” Bertke said, “it’s just fun to be around the team and play the game.” 

Despite his injury, Bertke is expected to return in mid-January. Even from the sideline so far, Bertke has developed a clear sense of the team’s potential this season. 

“I like our team. I feel like we can make it far in the playoffs, but we have a pretty hard early-season schedule,” Bertke said. 

The boys are up for the challenge. Playing harder teams from the start allows them to build up their skill early on, which will end up benefiting them as the season progresses. 

“We have a deeper connection with the coaches this season,” Bertke said, “we know what they want, and we know how to play with each other through the system.” 

As Bertke works towards stepping back onto the court, he has one simple goal. 

“I hope that I can get back into the game after my injury and just try to play as good as I can when I get back,” Bertke said. 

With new leaders stepping up and the team growing closer every day, the Pioneers enter the season ready to take on whatever challenges come their way. This team is prepared to compete together, as they look to make a long run this winter.