FORT WORTH, TX - The 2024-2025 season for the Texas Wesleyan Rams Men's Basketball Team was a thrilling ride, showcasing both incredible talent and resilience. With a final record of 19-11 overall and 14-9 in the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC), the Rams solidified their place as a competitive force in the SAC and earned an at-large bid to the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship.
The Rams started the season with a bang, opening their campaign with an 87-80 home win over Dallas Christian College. They followed that up with an impressive 92-63 victory against Arlington Baptist, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. One of the season's most notable moments came early on, when the Rams pulled off a major upset against No. 5 Oklahoma Wesleyan, winning 73-63 at home.
Texas Wesleyan also had their share of thrilling, hard-fought wins during the season. They picked up key victories, including a 70-53 win over No. 18 Langston and a 70-68 road victory at Mid-America Christian. Their tenacity and clutch play kept them in the race for a spot in the SAC Tournament and ultimately earned them a spot in the NAIA Tournament.
The Rams were particularly dominant at home, finishing with an 11-4 record at the Sid Richardson Center. Their ability to compete on the road was also evident, with an 8-5 mark away from home. This balance made them a tough opponent, both in familiar and challenging environments.
Texas Wesleyan entered the SAC Tournament as the No. 6 seed, but their journey came to a halt in a tough loss to Mid-America Christian in the quarterfinals. The Rams fought hard but ultimately fell 81-73, despite a standout performance from senior guard Matt Nero, who finished with 23 points, including five three-pointers.
The game saw several lead changes, with the Rams keeping pace with the Evangels through much of the first half. However, MACU's strong second-half free throw shooting and perimeter scoring proved to be too much for Texas Wesleyan to overcome. Despite cutting the deficit to three points late in the game, the Rams couldn't complete the comeback, and the loss dashed their hopes of advancing further in the SAC Tournament.
Despite the early exit from the SAC Tournament, the Rams were awarded an at-large bid to the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship. The team entered the tournament as the No. 14 seed, set to face No. 3-seed Baker University in the first round. Unfortunately, the Rams fell to the Wildcats, 72-58, in a game that saw them struggle to maintain momentum in the second half.
Montez Young Jr., who had been a standout all season, led the Rams with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Trey Sinegal added 12 points and Matt Nero chipped in 11 points. Despite their best efforts, the Rams' shooting struggles (35.4% from the field) and the Wildcats' offensive efficiency were key factors in the loss.
The 2024-2025 season saw several individual players earning recognition for their outstanding performances:
· Montez Young Jr. was named the SAC Sixth Man of the Year, showcasing his impact off the bench with an average of 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 55.6% from the field. He was also selected to the All-SAC Third Team.
· Trey Sinegal earned a spot on the All-SAC Second Team, recognizing his lethal scoring and versatility on the court. Sinegal averaged 15.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while contributing defensively with 53 assists, 47 steals, and 23 blocks.
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, the Texas Wesleyan Rams demonstrated strong all-around play, with key statistical contributions that propelled them to success. The team averaged 73.6 points per game, outscoring opponents by a solid 5.7-point margin. Their offensive efficiency was highlighted by a field goal percentage of .452, and although their three-point shooting hovered at .309, they consistently made over six three-pointers per game. At the free-throw line, they shot 66.2%, and their 12.9 free throws made per game kept opposing defenses on their heels. On the defensive side, the Rams were a relentless force, as evidenced by their 7.6-rebound margin per game and their 219 steals, averaging 7.3 per contest. Their ability to control the boards and disrupt opposing offenses allowed them to excel.
Head Coach Brian Wanamaker shared his thoughts on the season, expressing his pride in the team's growth:
"I feel the season was a success. To be able to make it to the national tournament in my first year was a great accomplishment. Although we didn't win the conference or national championship, each player I met with after the season said they enjoyed it. As much as I am a competitor, I define success based on the student-athletes' experience. My expectations are to compete for a conference and national championship."
Though the Rams' season ended in the NAIA Tournament, the 2024-2025 campaign was a tremendous success overall. First-year head coach Brian Wanamaker helped guide the Rams
through a tough season, and the team's solid performance speaks volumes about their potential moving forward.
With a roster full of talented contributors, the Rams are well-positioned to make a strong push next season. As the program continues to grow under Head Coach Brian Wanamaker's leadership, the future looks bright for Texas Wesleyan Men's Basketball.
Texas Wesleyan may have fallen short in their quest for a deep postseason run this year, but their 19-11 record and solid showing in the SAC Tournament and NAIA National Championship speak to the growth and promise of the team. With a foundation built on solid defense, togetherness, and experienced talent, the Rams will look to return next season with even greater determination to compete for championships and continue their storied basketball legacy.
