After an incredible season that saw several massive wins against elite competition, let’s take a look at how this Lakota West squad got here.
Before Coach Moss
While head coach Kelvin Moss has brought this squad to relevance nearly overnight, West basketball was not always this elite. Back in 2022, West struggled to create a winning culture. Under star guard Nate Dudukovich, the team went just 8-16 with only one playoff win. While Dudukovich was stunning defenses with his scoring abilities, the team was severely top-heavy. This was highlighted in their final loss of the season to Sycamore, in which West’s top two scorers finished with more points than the rest of the team. After the season, one thing was clear: it was time for a change.
Year One: Building Blocks
In 2023, coach Moss arrived. With a majority of the team departing the year prior, including Dudukovich, coach Moss had to start from scratch. He began by bringing his son, Isaiah Meade-Moss, who would make an immediate impact as a shooter and defender. Freshman Bryce Curry came into the mix and would be one of the top scorers alongside Meade-Moss. Brothers Josh (Fr) & Isaiah (Sr) Tyson arrived in West Chester, and both proved to be solid options. Center LJ Green was developed off of JV and held down the paint on offense and defense. Tyson Davis, Bryson Curry, and Hakeem Smith all proved to be solid rotational guys who not only knew their role but played it to a tee.
The team went 14-7 and had a solid playoff performance, ending in a loss to Elder. Coach Moss’ team-oriented approach was working. No player averaged double digits, but they were the most efficient team in the GMC and averaged nearly 60 points per game. While the loss to Elder stung, there was plenty to look forward to in 2024.
Year Two: Youth Development
West would lose key seniors from ‘23, but the players who returned looked even better. The loss of offense was immediately replaced. Josh Tyson doubled his point total, but stayed incredibly efficient, shooting over 60/40/70 (FG/3P/FT). LJ Green somehow got even better, Tyson Davis’ defense developed further, and Alex Dudukovich (brother of Nate) came into his own as a solid bench scorer. Meade-Moss looked as deadly as ever, and forward Aaron Phipps proved to be a solid rotational player. Finishing the season 17-5 and on a 5-game win streak, West was primed for a playoff run. While each game was tight, West proved its dominance, winning its region and reaching the final four. In heartbreaking fashion, Lakota West lost to the Reynoldsburg Raiders on a game-winning layup. Despite the tragic loss, they would certainly be back.
Year Three: Put up or Shut up
Now in year three of coach Moss’ team, West is already the title favorite. With the success in 2024, West began to attract attention. Roman Combs transferred in from Kentucky and has been an incredible defender and passing hub. Anthony Richardson from North Carolina has also been a big part of the offense, having multiple double-digit scoring nights. Eli Dunn has become one of the top shooters in the GMC, and TZ Mamutse from Hamilton has also been a solid piece to the puzzle. Both Griffin Long and Jordan Narvaez have taken steps as big men, and Parker Robinson has become a solid ball handler in the backcourt. Most importantly, Josh Tyson and Bryce Curry have taken another leap. They have both been scoring at an incredible clip, and they combine for over 4.5 stocks (steals and blocks).
With another incredible regular season, highlighted by a revenge win vs Reynoldsburg, we are looking at the best Lakota West basketball team in program history. Whether or not they can finish the job and win the title, one fact is clear: Coach Moss and his guys are the real deal.
