BUFFALOS CAPTURE MCSAA DIVISION III STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER STRONG SEASON

The El Dorado Christian School Buffalos capped off an outstanding basketball season by winning the MCSAA Division III State Championship, finishing the year with an impressive 21–4 regular season record and a memorable tournament run.

The Buffalos entered the season with motivation after finishing as the Division III state runner-up in 2025, when they fell to the Heartland Eagles in the championship game. With many of the same players returning, the team worked throughout the season with the goal of earning another opportunity at the title.

Despite their strong record, the season included challenges along the way. The Buffalos struggled during the MOKAN Tournament, a stretch that proved discouraging for the team. Head coach Montie Rhodes said that week became an important turning point for the players.

Following the tournament, Rhodes reminded the team of their core values: honoring God by being humble, grateful and unselfish. He also challenged the players to examine their hearts and focus on playing for the right reasons.

“The week after the MOKAN Tournament we talked about making sure our hearts were right before the Lord,” Rhodes said. “We also spent time sharpening our plays and working on the areas where we needed improvement.”

Those adjustments helped prepare the Buffalos for the state tournament and a long-awaited rematch with the Heartland Eagles in the championship game.

“We knew it would be a tough game after losing to them last year,” Rhodes said. “They returned all of their players from the year before, so we knew we would have to be playing our best to beat them.”

The championship game proved to be just as challenging as expected. The Buffalos trailed by 11 points at halftime but refused to give up, continuing to battle throughout the second half.

The team also faced adversity with several key players dealing with injuries and foul trouble. Isaac Hubbard suffered a bloody nose in the first quarter and was forced to sit out the remainder of the period. Camren Reasoner rolled his ankle and missed part of the game, while Ethan Dodson picked up early fouls and had to sit out a quarter.

Even with those setbacks, Rhodes said the rest of the team stepped up.

“Everyone stepped up in their place, played hard and no one gave up,” Rhodes said. “I think it shows the level of character our team had to keep fighting after being down that much to a good team.”

The Buffalos rallied in the second half and ultimately secured the victory to claim the MCSAA Division III state title.

The championship marked a fitting conclusion to a season defined by perseverance, teamwork and strong character.

The Buffalos will graduate two seniors from this year’s squad, Camren Reasoner and Cherokee Fogle, who helped lead the program during their time at ECS. With much of the roster expected to return, the team looks to build on this year’s success in the seasons ahead.

The Buffalos accepting their medals and trophy at the MCSAA awards assembly Right: Caleb Pyle, Isaac Hubbard,  Isaiah Rhodes, Cherokee Fogle, Camren Reasoner, Coach Montie Rhodes, Ethan Dodson, Jon Cole, Jesse Millsap, Jack Bland, Brandon Geigley,  Assistant Coach Josh Pyle, & Athletic Director Steve Altheide