The Titans boys basketball season officially tips off next week as they host their annual Thanksgiving Turkey Tournament, an event that always brings energy, excitement, and a packed gym. This year’s tournament features a strong lineup of teams, including Roanoke-Benson, Cornerstone Christian, Peoria Notre Dame, and of course the hometown El Paso-Gridley Titans. Fans are already buzzing, and there’s a lot of optimism surrounding the team heading into the new season. A big reason for the excitement is the arrival of the Titans’ new head coach, John Schippert, who steps into the program with high expectations and a fresh approach. Many players have talked about his intensity, his attention to detail, and the fast-paced style he hopes to bring to the floor. After a strong season last year, finishing with a 22–9 record and capturing the McLean County Tournament title, the Titans are hoping to take the next step. Although their postseason run ended earlier than they hoped with a second-round regional loss to Bloomington Central Catholic, the returning players say that loss has fueled them throughout the offseason.
To get a sense of the team’s mindset heading into the year, I talked with senior Kane Kearfott, a four-year member of the program. Kane didn’t hesitate when asked how he feels about the upcoming season. “We’re gonna be really good,” he said confidently. “We have a little bit of a young group, which is also gonna help us in future years.” His excitement for the younger players showed just how much faith he has in the depth of the team, and how he believes that mix of youth and experience will be a major strength. Kane also made his expectations for the season extremely clear: “We’re going to win everything, including a state title.” While some might call that bold, his teammates know that Kane isn’t the type to say something he doesn’t believe. His confidence is contagious, and it’s clear that the entire team shares a similar mindset—high goals, high standards, and the determination to chase them. I also asked Kane whether his effort level would change now that he’s a senior and entering his final high school season. His answer summed up his attitude perfectly: “My effort is definitely going up because it’s my last year, so I definitely have to BALL OUT YO.” That mix of humor, swagger, and genuine passion shows exactly what he brings to the program. With a new coach, returning talent, exciting young players, and seniors who are ready to give everything they’ve got, this season has all the ingredients to be something special. Titans fans should buckle up—it could be a fun ride.
