This year marked a significant milestone for the Lafayette Lancers, as they returned to the state basketball tournament after two decades of absence. Under first-year head coach Don Kreienkamp, the team achieved their first district championship since 2017 and reached the Class 6 Final Four for the first time in 21 years. The program's success extended beyond basketball, with achievements in football and baseball adding to the school's banner year. Despite challenges, including player absences due to illness and multi-sport commitments, the Lancers demonstrated resilience and teamwork, finishing fourth in Class 6.
Under the leadership of Coach Kreienkamp, who expressed his joy at transitioning from an assistant role, the Lafayette Lancers embarked on an unforgettable journey. The coaching staff, which included Arvie Kilongkilong, John Myers, and CJ VanZandt, played a crucial part in guiding the team through this historic season. A group of six athletes transitioned seamlessly from the football field to the basketball court, bringing with them the competitive spirit that had nearly led them to a state football title just months before. This blend of seasoned players and newcomers fostered a dynamic team environment.
The early season was challenging, with several key players still recovering emotionally from a tough football campaign. However, participation in the Arvest Classic in Springfield proved pivotal in uniting the squad. The shared experiences during this tournament—traveling together, eating meals as a group, and engaging in intense competition—strengthened their bonds both on and off the court. As the season progressed, the Lancers faced formidable opponents such as Francis Howell, MICDS, Eureka, Webster Groves, and Rockhurst, testing their mettle against some of the best teams in the region.
Despite setbacks, including a stretch where flu-related absences disrupted the lineup, the Lancers rallied impressively. Their performance improved significantly toward the end of the regular season, securing four victories out of their final five games. This momentum carried into the postseason, where they triumphed over Northwest and Kirkwood to clinch the district title. In a thrilling showdown against Marquette, the Lancers showcased their tenacity, winning by a decisive margin to claim the District 2 crown.
In the quarterfinals, the Lancers delivered an exhilarating double-overtime victory against St. Louis University High, with standout performances from Nolan Savoie and Brady Micek. This hard-fought win secured their place in the prestigious Mizzou Arena for the Final Four. Although ultimately falling short in the semifinals to Chaminade and then Nixa, the experience provided invaluable lessons for the young team. Notably, injuries affected their performance, particularly the loss of Savoie, underscoring the unpredictable nature of high-level competition.
Reflecting on the season, Coach Kreienkamp emphasized the importance of competing against top-tier opponents and praised the dedication of his multi-sport athletes. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the strong core returning next year. With only two seniors departing, the foundation remains solid for continued success. The Lafayette Lancers have proven that with determination and teamwork, anything is possible, setting a promising tone for seasons to come.