Detroit Lakes Lakers Gear Up for Dynamic Boys Basketball Season

The Detroit Lakes Lakers are preparing for an exciting 2025-2026 boys basketball season under the guidance of fifth-year head coach Brett Maass. As the team gathered for their final practice before the season opener, Maass emphasized the importance of improvement, urging players to “get better today.” With a cohesive roster, the Lakers aim to build on their experiences from previous seasons.

Maass praised the squad’s camaraderie, stating, “The guys are very cohesive and have been together for a while. That type of stuff, the relationship between the kids matters.” Among the key players are seniors Damarion Moss and Dawson VonRuden, who are eager to make their mark at Lakeshirts Fieldhouse. Moss expressed excitement about creating lasting memories with his teammates, while VonRuden highlighted the hard work the team has put in over the offseason.

Last season, the Lakers finished with a record of 14-13, reaching the Section 8AAA semifinals before losing to Alexandria, who subsequently won the state championship. Detroit Lakes faced challenges in their inaugural season in the Central Lakes Conference, finishing with a 7-10 record. The team encountered tougher competition, including larger schools, which necessitated adjustments to their play style and strategies.

Maass reflected on the previous season, noting the extensive travel to venues in St. Cloud, Willmar, Brainerd, and Fergus Falls. Despite these hurdles, he believed the team showed significant growth. “I thought we played exceptionally well last year and definitely grew up in a hurry,” he remarked. This season, the Lakers aim to compete fiercely across the board, focusing on winning and performing their best basketball.

The Lakers’ game plan centers on a fast-paced style that prioritizes high offensive output. Maass implemented this approach upon his arrival in 2021, leading to impressive scoring performances, including eight games with 90 or more points. However, this strategy comes with its drawbacks, as the team has also allowed a high number of points to opponents. “The pace and the pressure might even be amped up a little bit this year,” Maass explained, emphasizing that the team’s defensive strategy remains intentional despite the risks involved.

VonRuden underscored the importance of energy on the court, stating, “We want to make their offense work every single second of the game.” He highlighted the goal of creating turnovers and forcing opponents into a faster pace of play. Moss and VonRuden, both seasoned players with valuable varsity experience, are positioned to lead the Lakers offensively. “They both had a really good offseason,” Maass noted, adding that their experience in various levels of competition will be crucial this year.

Supporting the senior duo are several players eager to step up. Senior Brenden Severson will contribute with his strength in the post, while sophomore Davion Bower brings agility and length. Other key players include seniors Brock Jones and Eli Hatch, along with junior Ben Buboltz. Juniors Kayden Chadbourne and Owen Liption are also expected to provide significant contributions off the bench.

While the transition to varsity play may take time for some, Maass is optimistic. “Our JV was really good last year. They won 20 games,” he said. The Lakers plan to utilize a rotation of 8 to 10 players, allowing newer members to adapt to the demands of varsity basketball.

As the Lakers look ahead, the competitive landscape in Section 8AAA appears more inviting. With Alexandria moving to the 4-A level, the section title is more within reach. Teams such as Fergus Falls, who were runners-up last season, and Willmar, along with Sauk Rapids-Rice, St. Cloud Apollo, Tech, and Sartell, are expected to challenge for top positions.

Despite these challenges, the Lakers maintain a focused mindset. Moss encapsulated the team’s approach, stating, “We want to get better every single day. Obviously, with that, all the accolades and stuff will come, but we’re not really focused on that.”

The Lakers are set to kick off their season on December 2, 2025, against Brainerd, followed by a series of competitive matchups throughout the season. With a strong sense of teamwork and a commitment to improvement, Detroit Lakes is poised for a memorable basketball season.