Coming off a stellar season that saw them capture the Area Championship and make it to the Sub-Regional, the Randolph Raiders basketball team is ready to push even further this year. Under the leadership of Coach Trey Hatfield, entering his second year as varsity head coach, the team has its sights set on a deep postseason run. Building on last year’s successes, the Raiders are bringing back a seasoned roster, strengthened by key additions that Coach Hatfield is confident will make an immediate impact.
The Raiders’ experienced core includes returning standouts Garrett Trousdale, Grant Enfinger, Will Waites, Hunter Wiggins, Tyler DeOrio, William Mitchell, Hudson Cloud, and Michael Vega. With this lineup, Randolph boasts a group of players who are both battle-tested and capable of leading by example. Reflecting on his roster, Coach Hatfield shared, "We have a very experienced group of returning players, including three who have started since their sophomore years: Garrett, Will, and Hunter. Grant had a great summer, leading us in scoring and shooting 42% from three-point range. Tyler and William played pivotal roles last season, and we’re eager to see them continue their momentum this year. Hudson put in tremendous work over the summer on the court and in the weight room, and we’re excited about the season he’s going to have. Michael Vega has emerged as a vocal leader in practice, bringing toughness and energy to our squad.”
Adding to this experienced lineup are six promising newcomers: Graham Batey, Hayden Johnson, Charlie White, Landon Leo, TJ Hood, and Alex Kochanowski. Coach Hatfield is excited about the depth and versatility these players bring to the team. Batey, a multi-sport athlete joining from the football team, is expected to add athleticism and resilience on the court. As for the group of sophomores making the jump from JV—Charlie, TJ, Landon, and Alex—their scoring prowess and work ethic have already caught the coaches' attention. "Our varsity newcomers bring a lot of scoring capability,” Hatfield noted. "This group of sophomores can put up points fast, and they work incredibly hard. We’re excited to see them make their mark at the varsity level.”
The Raiders will face a challenging schedule with key matchups that include area rivals Madison Academy, Westminster, West Limestone, and JPII. The Raiders will also test their mettle in the annual Pepsi Classic against 7A powerhouse Florence and an exciting game against 6A Decatur on December 21st. Each of these matchups will serve as a valuable opportunity for Randolph to hone its skills and test its chemistry as they work toward another championship bid.
As the team builds on last year’s momentum, fans can expect a thrilling season filled with heart, hustle, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that has come to define Randolph basketball.