Congratulations to all Boys Basketball team for winning their second State Championship, to our Girls Basketball team for earning second place at State, and to all our dedicated student-athletes and coaches for a great season! Check out season recaps for each Winter team submitted by coaches below. Go Rams!
Boys Basketball
By Travis Wallace, Head Coach
The 2026 season will go down as one of the most memorable in program history for the MICDS Rams. Finishing with an outstanding 27–4 overall record, the Rams established themselves as one of the top teams in Missouri from start to finish. From the opening tip to winning the Don Mauer Invitational, MICDS consistently displayed toughness, discipline, and team chemistry. The Rams dominated District play, earning a first-place finish in Class 5 District 3.
The season reached its peak in March, when MICDS made an impressive postseason run culminating in a Class 5 State Championship. The Rams delivered a dominant performance in the title game, defeating Sikeston 55–38 at Mizzou Arena and securing the program’s first state championship since 2002, cementing their legacy as champions.
This year’s success was fueled by a strong senior core led by Brandon Clemens ’26, Jason Stokes ’26, Gabe Weaver ’26, and Keshon Mims ’26, whose leadership and experience set the tone all season long. Clemens and Tyler Ray ’27 earned Class 5 All-State First Team honors, along with All-District and All-Metro League Conference recognition, highlighting their impact as two of the top players in the state. Stokes was also recognized for his outstanding season, earning All-District honors and Second Team All-Metro League Conference.
As the Rams look ahead, the future remains bright. The team will be led by Ray, with expected major contributions from Preston Clemens ’28, Wyatt Schuckman ’28, Asa Roberts ’28, and DJ Bello ’29. With a strong returning core and the standard set by this year’s championship team, MICDS is poised to continue its success in the seasons to come.
Girls Basketball
By Scott Small, Head Coach
The MICDS Girls Basketball Team finished 20-11 in the 2025-2026 season, despite having no seniors and navigating a tough schedule given their move to Class 5. The Rams won the MICDS Holiday Tournament and competed in the Sophie Cunningham Classic. Most notably, MICDS made the program’s fourth trip to the Final Four in Columbia, upsetting the #1 team in Class 5 (Marshfield) in the Semi-Finals, and finishing #2 overall. The Rams won their 9th District Championship in the process, rising from the #3 seed in the District to make it all the way to the MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown Championship. Jordyn Haywood ‘28 scored her 1,000 point mid-season and earned Metro All-Conference First Team, MBCA All District and All State Honors and was named the MBCA Player of the Year for Class 5. Riha Obinegbo ’28 and LJ Harris ’28 were also both named to the MBCA All District team and were Metro All-Conference Second Team and Honorable Mention, respectively.
We did not have captains or seniors this year. Lola Compton ’27 was our manager.
Ice Hockey
By John Mattingly Jr., Head Coach
The 2025-2026 MICDS Ice Hockey Team ended the season with an 11-6-3 record, earning a Wickenhauser Cup playoff berth. The senior class, led by Alejo Theodoro ’26, Cooper Myers ’26, Drew Danforth ’26, Jack Tipton ’26, Matthew Carmody ’26, Sean Hogan ’26, and Tommy Goodman ’26, compiled a tremendous 49-23-9 four-year record, with a 9-0-1 regular season record against rival JBS, four consecutive Wickenhauser Cup berths, and a final four appearance. Although this class will leave a huge void in the roster for next season, the legacy they have left for this year’s freshman class will pay off for years to come. The program continues to grow: this year, MICDS provided a JV opportunity for younger players, and the inaugural season was extremely successful. The future remains bright for MICDS Ice Hockey.
Girls Squash
By Robyn Williams, Head Coach
The Girls Varsity Squash team put together a competitive and resilient season, highlighted by strong performances against some of the top programs in the country. The team opened the season with a 5th place finish at the Mercersburg Tom Flanagan Invitational, playing high-quality squash against a deep and challenging field. Although the annual Midwest Ashes Tournament was unfortunately canceled due to weather, the team maintained its momentum and delivered a solid showing in Buffalo.
At the U.S. High School Nationals, competing in Division IV, the team battled through a series of tightly contested matches that showcased their grit and determination. A standout moment came with an impressive victory over Blair Academy. First-year Annie Amos ’29 and sophomore Elizabeth Woltz ’28 were exceptional at the 6 and 7 positions, respectively, both finishing the tournament undefeated. The team’s final match, the consolation playoff, was ultimately canceled due to a winter storm in Philadelphia.
The team was led by senior tri-captains Alexa Davis ’26, Shivani Pandey ’26, and Charlotte Medler ’26, whose leadership and commitment set the tone all season. The program also celebrates the contributions of its graduating seniors: Siboney Oviedo-Gray ’26, Aiyla Ahmad ’26, Taylor Nuzum ’26, and manager Aaheli Arora ’26, who have all played important roles in the team’s success and culture. The team wishes them all the best as they move forward in their journey.
With a strong core returning and valuable experience gained throughout the season, the team looks forward to continued growth and success next season.
Boys Squash
By Nolan Clarke, Head Coach
Looking back on this year’s Boys Varsity Squash season, I couldn’t be more proud of how every member of this team showed up—not just competitively, but in the way they carried themselves and supported one another through every challenge the season brought. The schedule was tough, and we met it head-on. Over 14 matches, we went 6-8, but that record only tells part of the story. Time and again, matches came down to the wire—multiple 4-3 results that swung on a single game—and our boys were right there, competing to the very end. The ability to perform under pressure in close matches is something that can’t be coached overnight, and this group showed it repeatedly.
The season’s high point came at the U.S. Squash High School Nationals Tournament, where the team made its mark on a national stage. Cam Cozad ’27 was nothing short of exceptional, earning the Most Valuable Player at Nationals honors with a performance that stood out from start to finish. His composure, consistency, and ability to deliver when it mattered most was a genuine highlight of the year. A season is not a success without strong leadership, and this year we had it in abundance. Captains Zach Withington ’26, Bruce Elvin ’28, and Jonathan Weiss ’27 brought a level of commitment and steadiness that set the tone for everyone else. Through wins and through losses, they kept the group focused and moving forward.
Individual contributions across the roster were equally worth celebrating. Withington was named Most Valuable Player, an honor he earned through sheer performance, toughness in difficult matches, and the kind of positive presence that elevates everyone around him. Withington also received the Oliver Langenberg Squash Award, recognizing not only his achievements on the court but also his commitment to excellence in the classroom. It’s a fitting tribute to everything he has represented as a student-athlete at MICDS.
Nolan Ma ’28 earned Most Improved Player honors, and it was well-deserved. The strides Ma made this season came from relentless work and a willingness to push through the uncomfortable parts of getting better. His growth was visible to everyone who watched this team. Hayden Dembiec ’29 had a season that turned heads in multiple ways, taking home both the Hardest Worker and Coaches Award. For a freshman, the maturity and effort Dembiec brought to every practice and every match were remarkable. He worked tirelessly, competed without reservation, and was the kind of teammate that makes everyone around him better, exactly the qualities this program values most.
This year was a reminder that how you compete matters as much as the final score. The lessons learned about perseverance, accountability, and lifting each other up will serve these players well beyond squash. We say goodbye this season to two outstanding seniors, Withington and Athreya Arvind ’26. Their contributions to this program have been meaningful and lasting, and we send them off with our deepest gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead for them. To our parent community, thank you. Your support, your presence at matches, and your investment in these young men do not go unnoticed. It means more than you know. This group gave everything they had. That’s all you can ask. Well done, Varsity Boys Squash!
Girls Swimming and Diving
By Amy Fulton, Head Coach
17 Newcomers—including 3 Rookie Divers—Make Waves in the Pool
The Girls Swimming and Diving Team featured 17 newcomers on this year’s 24-member squad, but did not back down from high levels of competition in the pool and on the diving boards. The Rams finished their season with a 7-3 dual meet record, culminating their regular season in dominant fashion, improving from last year’s 3rd-place finish at the Metro League Championships to 2nd, out-touching rival John Burrough in team points.
The Rams sent nine to the State Championships, including diving newcomer Gertie Habel ’27 and four freshman athletes. Individual finalists featured freshman duo Leela Anadkat ’29 (100 backstroke, 11th place) and Heidi Haberstroh ’29 (100 Backstroke, 4th place; 50 Freestyle, 5th Place). For the first time in several years, all three relay teams qualified for the state finals. The 200 and 400 Freestyle Relay teams both finished in 15th, and our 200 Medley Relay Team of sisters Leela and Bella Anadkat ’26, senior captain Noemi Crall ’26, and team-voted MVP Haberstroh shone with a podium 7th place finish. The Rams placed 14th overall in the Class 2 Championships.
The team had fantastic support from an awesome team of managers poolside: Grace Griffin ’28, Gigi Koster ’26, and Carrie Clennan ’26. In spite of their own busy schedules off the pool deck, these ladies brought great energy to every home meet and were incredible cheerleaders for our swimmers and divers on the sidelines. Carrie and Gigi will be very missed next year!
The 2025-2026 squad was led by Senior Captains Crall, B. Anadkat, and Madeline Adkins ’26, who demonstrated their excellence in the pool as key leaders and significant contributors to team wins. We are also incredibly grateful for the contributions of our three other senior swimmers: Evita Okohson-Reb ’26, Addilyn Farmer ’26, and Katie Ferris ’26. This class brought fun and excitement to each workout and showed remarkable improvements in their final performances in the pool. We are proud of you!
The following Rams earned nods from their peers and coaching staff for key roles played throughout the season. The future looks bright for these up-and-coming Rams!
- Swim Team MVP Heidi Haberstroh ’29
- Dive Team MVP Gertie Habel ’27
- Newcomer of the Year Leela Anadkat ’29
- Most Improved Jessie Zhang ’28
- Ram Tough Award Noemi Crall ’26 and Ashini Craig ’29
- Outstanding Character Award Bella Anadkat ’26 and Addi Farmer ’26
Wrestling
By Kirk Janitch, Head Coach
This season was my first here at MICDS, and we came in and set a standard from Day 1. Having a new coach can be difficult, but these boys took it in stride and showed what it means to be Ram Tough. We were led by juniors Will Reding ’27, Felipe Ferreira ’27, and Cooper Newton ’27, along with a strong freshman and sophomore class.
Standout performances include a 4th-place finish at Orchard Farms Tournament for freshman Evan Struckman ’29, along with strong performances at North Points developmental tournament by Reding (3rd), Struckman (1st), Tommy Kastor ’28 (3rd), Joseph Glasser ’28 (2nd), and Newton (1st).
Post-Season Honors:
Three of our MICDS wrestlers earned postseason honors this year! Reding, Newton, and Glasser were named to the 1st Team Metro League All-Conference. With one of the biggest eighth-grade classes AND the addition of a girls wrestling team for the 2026-2027 school year, next season will be our best yet!
Season Awards:
- Most Improved: Cooper Newton ’27
- Most Takedowns and Pins: Evan Struckman ’29
- Leadership Award: Jason Gilbert ’29
This season was a test of commitment and resilience. While many of the wrestlers are new to the sport, they were thrown into varsity action and came out stronger.
Cheerleading
Katherine Fraley
This winter, the Varsity Cheerleading team brought together 23 talented athletes who supported both the Boys and Girls Basketball teams throughout the season. One of the highlights was the Coaches vs. Cancer halftime performance, which featured new, advanced stunts choreographed by the seniors.
The Varsity squad played a key role in energizing the crowd as both basketball teams secured District Championship titles, and they proudly cheered the boys on to a State Championship victory at Mizzou Arena.
As the season comes to a close, we extend our gratitude to captains Alana Chandler ’26, Reese Brinker ’26, Georgia Murray ’26, and Lainie Zimmer ’26 for their leadership and dedication to the program over the years. We also say goodbye to seniors Laurion Nicholson ’26, Eleanor Cheers ’26, KR Ellenhorn ’26, Lilia Oulamine ’26, Akira Washington ’26, Becca Frazier ’26, and Riley Crawford ’26, who have left their mark on this program.
The Cheerleading program looks forward to continuing to build on this momentum and supporting school spirit at football games next year!