A Season to Remember
The Woodland Christian boys basketball team capped a remarkable 2025/26 campaign by capturing the Sierra Delta League championship, finishing the regular season with a 25‑8 record and a flawless 14‑0 mark in league play.
Their success earned them berths in both the CIF Sac‑Joaquin Section playoffs and the CIF State Basketball Championships, where they fell to San Marin in the second round, marking the program’s deepest state‑tournament run to date.
The accolades continued off the court, with junior Malakai Baker earning Most Valuable Player honors, and Coach Casey Neimeyer being named Coach of the Year. Several Cardinals also received All‑League recognition, including seniors Noah Hinkle, Isaiah Hunt and Owen Rainwater.
Baker led the squad in scoring with 22.5 points per game, while also topping the team in rebounds (5.9 per game), steals (52) and total points (695). His performance placed him third in the entire SJS Division 5 rankings.
Hunt contributed 4.2 assists per game and added 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals, while Hinkle posted 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. Senior Nishaan Hayer and sophomore Anthony Trujillo were selected to the Second‑Team All‑League, and Cole Haines, a two‑year starter, helped anchor the lineup.
Star Performers
Beyond the statistical leaders, seniors Noah Hinkle, Isaiah Hunt, Owen Rainwater, Nishaan Hayer and sophomore Anthony Trujillo each left their mark, combining for a blend of scoring, playmaking and defensive intensity that defined the team’s identity.
The achievements reflect a four‑year stretch under Coach Neimeyer that ranks among the most successful periods in the school’s basketball history, a run that also included standout contributions from Romello Bruhn, Lincoln Paschke, Zach Nelson and other key seniors.