After a disappointing 14-15 season—their first sub-.500 finish since 2020-21—the Briar Cliff men’s basketball team is hungry for redemption in 2025-26. But here's where it gets tricky: can they bounce back without two of their top scorers? Matthew Stilwill, a two-time All-GPAC First Team standout, and Jamison Helmers have graduated, leaving big shoes to fill. Yet, the team isn’t starting from scratch. Returning veterans like Blake Sindelar and Jaxson Wingert are ready to step into the spotlight. Sindelar, the team’s leading scorer, averaged 13.9 points per game with an impressive 47% shooting accuracy. Wingert, now a sophomore, is poised for a breakout season after starting all 29 games last year, contributing 11.7 points and over four rebounds per game. And this is the part most people miss: even players who won’t see much court time this season are making a difference behind the scenes, pushing the team to new heights in practice. Head coach Mark Svagera is laser-focused on the future: “We’re not just aiming to compete—we want to dominate the conference and secure a spot in the NAIA National Tournament. It’s all about daily habits and consistency.” Wingert echoes this sentiment, highlighting the team’s unity and determination: “Everyone’s stepping up, from new transfers to bench players. We’re all in this together.” The season tips off on October 24th at home against Mount Mercy at 7:30 p.m., and the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Briar Cliff rise from the ashes and reclaim their glory? What do you think—is this team ready to make a statement, or will they struggle to fill the void left by their departed stars? Let us know in the comments!
