After a nail-biting victory against the CSU Pueblo Thunderwolves in the semifinals and a hard-fought battle against the Black Hills State University Yellowjackets, the RMAC tournament ended. Men’s basketball secured No. 8 in the South Central Region from the at-large bid. Even though the 2025-26 season is finalized, the Mavericks continue to build off of the improvements they made this year. Through the trials and tribulations that they faced during the season, this young team set strong foundations for the future.
A strong team does not just come from training or skill, nor is it built in a day. A group can consist of the best players in the world but if they don’t know how to work together, utilize their unique skillsets or communicate properly, then it leads to wasted potential. A balance of hard work, sacrifice and strong team chemistry is what it takes to curate success.
According to junior forward, Clayton Jewell, the bond that the team developed led to numerous victories.
“For me I think the highlight was the span of winter break. Whilst all other students were on vacation, we were on campus still practicing and playing games,” Jewell said. “With this sort of isolation away from school, I think the team bonded heavily and it boosted our chemistry to a point which, in my opinion, greatly contributed to us getting rolling and starting a win streak.”
As a relatively young team, mostly consisting of sophomores and juniors, this current group is set in an ideal position for growth. Since the recent RMAC final showdown between the Yellowjackets, the Mavericks have played in the conference championship 13 times in the program’s 30 year history. Head Coach Mike Dunlap, who was hired in April 2024, has had the chance to build the foundations with this group. Their potential has begun to shine through.
CMU finished the season with a 21-10 overall record and 15-5 in the RMAC. Growing pains will still be prevalent but with the Mavericks showing what they are capable of, there is no doubt that they will be a force to be reckoned with come next season.
