Frank Newell
Sports Writer for the Hiawatha World

The Red Hawk Boys Basketball Team spent some time in Hoyt this past Tuesday evening. They participated in Royal Valley’s Basketball Jamboree.

Hiawatha’s Red Hawks were joined by the Doniphan West Mustangs, the Royal Valley Panthers and the Jefferson County North Chargers. The Jamboree was an officiated scrimmage. Each team played one another for two quarters in a round robin format. The Jamboree concluded with teams working against each other, in different situations that may come up in a regular season game.

The Red Hawks speed and athleticism became very evident from the start. They ran some nice offensive sets and showed different defensive combinations. It’s easy to see why hopes are high for this year’s team. Many players are interchangeable and each have their own way of contributing.

Brady Jasper will take over the head coaching spot for the Red Hawks. Brady has spent the last 10 years leading the Hiawatha High School Lady Red Hawks. Brady is a 1999 graduate of Benedictine College. Upon graduation from Benedictine, he took his first coaching job at Elwood High School. In Elwood, he coached Boys Basketball for two years. His next stop was at Lafayette High School in Lafayette, MO. He helped lead the Lafayette girl’s basketball team for four years. He moved into the junior college ranks from Lafayette. He coached women’s teams in junior college for nine years. This included stops at Highland Community College, Garden City Community College, Colby Community College and Cloud County Community College. He transferred from Cloud County CC to Hiawatha.

Coach Jasper will inherit a team with some very intriguing pieces and excitement. Last year’s team had a 9-13 record and a fifth place finish in the Big 7 League. They advanced to the Semi Final round of Sub State. Coach Jasper is looking forward to building on last season’s Sub State success.

The Red Hawks will return three starters and six letterwinners. Senior Cameron Boswell will be counted on to carry much of the load. Cameron returns after starting the last two seasons. The six foot one inch guard is an excellent shooter and was an All-Conference player last year. Cameron averages 15 points per game. Ethan Morton will return as a true point guard. He is an aggressive and hard-nosed player. He is blessed with “great handles”, which allows him to penetrate a defense when he wants. This will be huge for the Red Hawk’s in initiating offensive sets.

Coach Jasper is excited about the development of Lane Kesler. Lane is a six foot four inch 250 pound post player. He is a beast in the interior and plays basketball with a football mentality. Michael Jensen will fill an off-guard spot. Michael is a junior with great skill and athleticism. Senior Connor Kettler will add tremendous speed and quickness. Karson Henry and Bradyn Newell will add depth to the backcourt. Coach Jasper is expecting Braylen Siebenmorgen to take a step this year. Braylen is a six foot four inch sophomore that is long and has an excellent shot. Gage Cappleman will provide senior leadership from the wing position. Seniors Deedz Hale and Cooper Handke are ready to help out the team in any way.

As a result of the consolidation of the Big 7 and the Mid-East League, Hiawatha will be competing in the new Big East League. This will provide some of the best competition in the state. The Red Hawk Boys will tip off the new season at home, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 against Troy. They will begin, following the Lady Red Hawks Varsity game.