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The South Coffeyville Lions enter the 2025–26 boys basketball season looking to turn the corner after several rebuilding years. Coming off a 5–16 campaign, the Lions showed flashes of competitiveness last season with wins over schools like Foyil, Prue, and Oaks-Mission, but struggled to find consistency against tougher opponents. Early signs this year point to a team beginning to battle more effectively, highlighted by last week’s narrow 37–40 loss to Foyil, a game that showed the Lions can hang with familiar rivals.

With limited returning experience, South Coffeyville will rely heavily on player development, defensive toughness, and steady improvement. Coaches are emphasizing an identity built on hustle and discipline, hoping that close games like the Foyil matchup become springboards rather than setbacks. If emerging leaders can set the tone and underclassmen continue to grow into their roles, the Lions could see meaningful progress as the season settles in.

Though the road ahead remains challenging, this season presents a real opportunity for South Coffeyville to reset and build upward. Improving on last year’s win total, staying competitive in tight contests, and sharpening execution before district play are all within reach. If the Lions turn narrow losses into late-game wins, they could surprise more than a few teams and establish a foundation for long-term growth.