INA, Ill. (October 20, 2025) — After a season that saw the Warriors improve by ten wins under Head Coach Tim Wills, the Warriors Basketball team is ready to get back into action and improve on their second-place finish in the NJCAA Region 24.
With only three sophomores last year, Coach Wills’ team had to adapt quickly to compete in the always-competitive GRAC Conference, where the team went 8-8 (18-15 Overall). This year has a much different feel, as the Warriors not only join a new conference (MWAC) but will also rely heavily on a strong returning sophomore class.
“It is refreshing knowing that you have a lot of players returning from year to year,” said Wills. “It means there is something positive going on in our program, and that we are able to start the season with confident players that have already learned how to win games in this league."
The Warriors have no shortage of experience to lean on. Some key returners include:
- Elijah Edosa (Scarborough, ON) - a POTY candidate who averaged 14.8 PPG and 9.8 RPG which he led the team in both categories.
- Navontae Nesbit (Mt. Vernon) - the team's returning assist leader (3.3) who also averaged 12.3 PPG.
- Owen Treat (Vienna) - one of the best returning shooters in Region 24 who is coming off a 57 3PM season as a freshman.
- Zeke Wilson (Tulsa, OK) - a shot blocking center at almost 2.0 BPG and his additional contributions of 11.9 PPG and 7.9 RPG.
The sophomore class is rounded out with Gavin Bigham (Oakland City, IN, 4.1 PPG), Aiden Hinton (Carterville, 3.0 PPG), and Equinton Millsap (Mt. Vernon, 1.5 PPG and 2.2 APG).
The team has a few exciting newcomers that fans will be excited to watch. Impact freshmen Will Paulson (Marthasville, MO) and Donovan Coates (Collinsville) have shown in the pre-season that they have the defensive and shooting ability to contribute right away.
The style of play for the Warriors this year looks to be bigger, faster, and stronger than what is accustomed to. The 2025-26 roster includes ten players that are 6’4 and above, and five that are 6’7 and above.
“We expect all of our freshmen to contribute this season,” said Wills. “They all have strong skill sets that got them recruited. We can’t wait to see what they do when the lights come on and their competitiveness comes out.”
This year's Warriors should draw in large crowds with their ties to the Southern Illinois basketball community with two players from Mt. Vernon, two from Pinckneyville, and others from Benton, Marion, Collinsville, Okawville, Vienna and Carterville.
Visit RLC’s Banterra Sports Complex to watch the Warriors Basketball team. This facility features a new court, concession stand, lobby, training room, and more. The Warriors are excited to kick off the season on November 4th at home vs Greenville University.