Snider enters the new basketball season with its most seasoned and complete roster in recent memory, built around a core that’s been through a grind together and is ready to compete at a high level.
Headlining that group is senior standout Xavier Wilson, a 6’4” guard who earned First Team All-Conference, IBCA Top 100, and Honorable Mention All-State honors after averaging 14.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season. Wilson’s leadership and versatility have made him one of the most respected players in the area, and his ability to impact games in multiple ways sets the tone for everything the Panthers do.
Alongside Wilson is dynamic junior guard Trell Hogue, who brings explosiveness and consistency from the backcourt. Hogue averaged 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last year, proving he can score, facilitate, and defend with equal intensity. His chemistry with Wilson gives Snider one of the most formidable guard tandems in the area—capable of taking over games or setting up teammates within the team’s up-tempo, attacking system.
Inside, the Panthers are anchored by 6’5” forward Ketron Paschall, after averaging 8.3 points and 6.1 rebounds as a sophomore. Paschall’s physicality in the paint and improved mid-range touch give Snider balance and toughness on both ends. Also back is junior guard Braylin Fertil (7.3 points, 3.3 rebounds per game), whose perimeter defense and shot-making provide vital energy on the wings.
The team’s depth is equally impressive. Veterans Layne Patterson (5.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Jordan Davis (3.0 ppg) add senior stability, while Schimar Reddic and Terrell Lapsley give Snider rotational strength with experience and effort. Jayce Quarles, a 5’10” junior guard, is also expected to carve out a role as a reliable contributor, adding to the team’s depth at every position.
Newcomers bring a surge of talent and athleticism that could elevate Snider’s ceiling even further. Jordan Woods, a 6’6” transfer from North Side, averaged 12.2 points and 7 rebounds per game last season and gives the Panthers another potentially dominant presence inside with the ability to stretch the floor. Another key addition is sophomore guard Chance DeRossett, a 6’5” transfer from Huntington North, whose length and playmaking make him a unique matchup problem. Donovan Wimbley and Rayden Morrow, both promising sophomores, add youthful energy and upside.
The Panthers do lose key contributors Qualyn Clopton, Jamarcus Burton, and Anthony Barnes (who transferred to Northrop), but the returning experience and incoming talent more than compensate. This year’s group has the maturity, chemistry, and athleticism to contend every night in the Summit Athletic Conference and beyond. With a roster that blends proven stars, dependable veterans, and dynamic newcomers, Snider looks poised for a breakout campaign.
“We are excited to see you all at Kilmer Court. This is a group the Snider faithful and city of Fort
Wayne are going to be proud to represent them and is going to be a special group to watch play,” said coach Josh Riikonen.
WHY #6?
The Panthers could be ridiculously deep if things click right. That said, they will have to blend a group of guys who have been playing together on a high level with a lot of new faces, including those who played elsewhere last season.
Role acceptance is a key thing that has been talked about for Snider this season and it will be something to watch. But if that goes well or doesn’t factor in, the Panthers’ depth and ability to score means this team could be an offensive menace.
Time will still tell with the Panthers which is why they sit at 6 and not higher, but there is so much to be excited about, which is why they sit at 6 and not lower.
KEY GAME
February 13 at Bishop Luers
Who knows what the SAC will look like when we get to this point, but yes this game could go a long way in deciding that conference depending on what the standings look like down the stretch of the season.
The reason this game is key is not just conference implications or even postseason momentum in the closing weeks of the season.
Instead, Luers and Snider, on paper could be one of the best matchups in the area. Both are blending new and old, both have good guard play and big physical interior player. This could be a really fun chess match of basketball once we get here. And, it could mean a lot to the SAC and postseason momentum, so it remains important in those aspects too.
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