TEAM: Santa Fe Trail Chargers/Lady Chargers

CLASSIFICATION: 3A

LEAGUE: Pioneer

COLORS: Red & Blue

SOCIAL MEDIA: @SFTHScharger on Twitter

2024-25 SCHEDULE:

12/6 vs Osawatomie
12/10 at West Franklin
12/12-14 Central Heights Tournament
12/17 at Prairie View
12/20 at Anderson County
1/7 at Iola
1/10 at Burlington
1/14 at Wellsville
1/17 vs Anderson County
1/23-25 at Panther Classic
1/28 vs Council Grove
2/4 vs Iola
2/7 vs Prairie View
2/14 at Osawatomie
2/18 vs Burlington
2/21 vs Wellsville

Pioneer League game

GIRLS

HEAD COACH: Dakota Soderlund (1st year, 0-0)

2023-24 RECORD: 17-4 overall, 12-0 Pioneer

2023-24 IN REVIEW: Despite a surprising loss in their sub-state opener, the Santa Fe Trail Lady Chargers followed their state tournament run in 2022-23 with another sensational season in 2023-24, going 17-4 overall including an eight-game winning streak to finish the regular season. Long winning streaks were a major constant for the Chargers, in fact, because they also had a seven-game streak earlier in the year. That also marks the third year in a row SFT has won at least 17 games. Two of the standouts from last year’s roster, both of whom have since graduated, earned first-team All-Pioneer League honors: Braegan Buessing and Kaelee Washington.

2024-25 OUTLOOK: At this point, Santa Fe Trail girls basketball is synonymous with “success.” But the Lady Chargers will have to make some adjustments and adapt to new environments in 2024-25 to continue their recent run. One major change for the program is at head coach, with Dakota Soderlund taking over the reins of the program this season. He comes to Santa Fe Trail from Wabaunsee and will bring a new energy to Carbondale. Additionally, SFT will have to find a way to overcome losing both Buessing and Washington, last year’s on-court leaders. Five players return for the Lady Chargers, led by juniors Camee Whitaker and Addalyn Sleichter. High win totals and postseason success are the expectation at Santa Fe Trail. If this year’s roster can build on the momentum from the end of last season, don’t be surprised to see the Chargers challenging for the 3A state championship.

FROM THE COACH’S CLIPBOARD: “As I look ahead to the upcoming season, there’s a blend of excitement and uncertainty. We’ve got a young team this year, and while we lost several key starters to graduation, I’m optimistic about what this season will bring. I’m excited to see how this young team will develop and can’t wait to help them with their journey throughout the season. With hard work, dedication, and a supportive environment, I believe we can make significant strides and lay the groundwork for future success.” – Dakota Soderlund

BOYS

HEAD COACH: Thatcher Decker (9th year, 91-81)

2023-24 RECORD: 14-9 overall, 8-4 Pioneer

2023-24 IN REVIEW: Led by a pair of All-Pioneer League second-team honorees, last year’s Santa Fe Trail Chargers posted a strong bounce-back season. After going just 8-13 overall the year prior, the Chargers went 14-9 last season, ending the regular season and entering sub-state play one a four-game winning streak before falling in their sub-state final. SFT’s win total was a few coin flips away from an even better mark, too, as three of its losses were by just single digits. Then-seniors Luke Edwards and Lane Workman led the way for the Chargers last season on their way to individual postseason honors, too.

2024-25 OUTLOOK: Only one starter returns for Santa Fe Trail in 2024-25, but its returning experience doesn’t stop there. Eight total contributors return from last year’s roster, which should lean to excellent competition for starting roles and floor time. Senior Jalen Smith is the most experienced Charger back this season after averaging a gaudy 16 points, nine rebounds and four blocks per game last season. He’s one of two returning seniors, joined by Vaughn Decker. The SFT junior class is the program’s deepest this year, with four returning letterwinners from 2023-24. That includes 6-foot-2 Xavier Davis, as well as Kain Tantaros, Hunter French and Layton Lind. Sophomore Ethan Ellis will have a chance to step into a bigger role this season, and don’t be surprised if freshman Rigley Sleichter makes an instant impact as well. Santa Fe Trail is a program with high standards, and this veteran roster has a great chance to meet them, and maybe even surpass them, this season.

FROM THE COACH’S CLIPBOARD: “The keys for Charger success in 2024-25 are the same as they have always been. We will play a fast paced game on both ends of the floor and be relentless attacking the rim. In the end, If we defend, we will succeed, if we do not, we will underachieve. That being said, we are exceptionally excited and looking forward to bringing Charger Nation a successful campaign!” -Thatcher Decker

–Brendan Dzwierzynski

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