After winning just 4 games in the 2021/2022 season and 6 games in the 2022/2023 season, Coach Derek Jensen, led the team to 11 wins (the most since 2018) in his first season as Head Coach. Perhaps most impressively, this was done with a roster made up of 90% freshmen.
As the Golden Eagles prepare for Jensen's second season at the helm, the team is loaded with leadership and experience... Something that the team lacked in the 2023/2024 season.
Returning sophomores from last year's roster include 6'4" Derrick Monroe, 6'1" Jerel Victor, 6'0" Aaron Blake, 6'5" Tai-Run Williams. Derrick Monroe in particular looks poised for a breakout season. Jensen says "It would be hard to say that anyone is more important to the success of this program and team than Derrick Monroe. He does it all. He is a major presence on the glass and in the paint (led The Golden Valley Conference in blocks last season with 2.8 per game) but he is also a 3 level scorer... And the rest of the guys really look to Derrick for leadership and guidance."
The Feather River Men's Basketball team also returns multiple talented redshirts from last year's group that add leadership and understanding to this year's group. 6'11" big man, Lucas Willrich, looks to have a strong sophomore season while 6'6" Carson Jensen, 6'5" Tyron Tyler and 6' Hayden Brawley all long to have impressive freshmen seasons.
With plenty of incoming talent as well, The Golden Eagles look ready to take a big step forward in The Golden Valley Conference. After a 4-0 start to conference play last season, FRC faltered down the stretch finishing 6-4 in conference play... Good for a 3rd place finish.
This year's outstanding freshman class includes; 6'8" Vladimir Contreras (Arapahoe Ridge- Colorado), 6'5" Damonte Duhart (Desert Pines- Nevada), 6'3" Lance Haworth (Highland), 5'11" Kaeden Castillero (Liberty- Nevada), 6'1" Jah'kiaus Jones (Thomson- Georgia), 6'3" Armon Baker (Thomas Jefferson- Colorado), 6'2" Forrest Harrison (Nevada Union), 6'5" Nick Fletcher (Inderkum) and 6' Masai Dean Jr (Cholla- Arizona).
Along with so many player additions, the Golden Eagles also added 2 new assistant coaches this offseason. Ashley Chavira brings head and assistant coaching experience from the high school and junior college coaching ranks, as well as playing experience at the junior college and 4-year levels. Marquis Hall-Wagner, coming off a standout season as a player (GVC 1st team all conference and 1st team all defensive selection), will bring a high IQ and high character presence along with great skill work.
In regards to his assistant coaches, Coach Jensen says "No offense to any of our players, but the additions of Coach Ashley and Coach Quis are possibly the biggest additions that we made to our program this offseason. They are both extremely dedicated. They give this team and each player their all. Ashley is a head coach through and through, so we are fortunate to have her experience with us. No one pushes our team harder... Marquis was such a smart and skilled player. Everyone in our program will benefit from his skill work, his smarts and his leadership."
The Golden Eagles begin their season on November 1st on the road against state powerhouse, College of The Sequoias (reached the state championship last season). This matchup will be particularly interesting as the COS Giants are coached by Dallas Jensen who is the elder brother of FRC Head Coach, Derek Jensen.
While it is still very early, the Golden Eagles Men's Basketball team looks to be poised for a breakout season in the CCCAA and Golden Valley Conference.
