WARDEN — The Warden Cougars boys basketball team concluded their season Feb. 27 in the opening round of the 2B state tournament after falling to Adna in Tumwater. Despite the loss at state, Head Coach Brent Erdmann said the team had a very successful season. 

“Very proud because these boys worked so hard, and we’re not your typical group of basketball players,” said Erdmann. “We haven’t been a basketball town in Warden, and I think just getting into state, we might have some kids that are hungry and we can do something next year.” 

The Cougars had their ups and downs throughout the regular season, starting with a 0-2 start from two close games and then going on to win the next two. This pattern of wins and losses persisted throughout the season but after going 7-3 against league opponents in the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference to qualify for postseason play. 

Warden finished fourth in the EWAC tournament to qualify for districts after earning a win against the number three seed Cle Elum, but falling to the two number one seeds Kittitas and Tri Cities Prep.  

At districts, Warden had to win their first two rounds to qualify for state. After defeating Tonasket and Goldendale in two tight matchups for state qualification, the Cougars fell to Liberty Bell to finish sixth in District 5. 

Entering as the 16th seed in the state tourney, the Cougars took the long trip west to Tumwater to face the number nine seed Adna where they ultimately fell 47-92 to conclude their season. Erdmann said his players battled hard on the court but were just coming up short. 

“It was one of those things, long travel, trying to get everything ready and the logistics of going all the way to Tumwater... It was different, and it’s something I haven’t had to do as a head coach. Now that we’ve done it, you can’t take those things for granted,” he said. “Everyone that’s left when you’re in the top 16 is really good, and Adna was very much prepared.” 

With this experience now under their belt, the coach said his goal for next season is to have the Cougars make the right preparations ahead of their big matchups. Part of that will be learning to implement more team play and increase their defensive front, which will be crucial in their efforts to compete against the top teams in the state. 

When looking back on the success of this season, Erdmann said a lot of credit must be given to the work put in by assistant coaches, Jonathan Burkholder, Pedro Gonzalez, Cyrus Gibbons and Steve Castro. 

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without the coaching staff I had because these guys pushed it. They got after it, and they pushed me to be a better coach,” he said. “They’re going to keep pushing me and that’s what you want as a staff.” 

Team camaraderie is where the Cougars saw the most growth in their squad, said Erdmann. Each of the players enjoyed the company of their teammates and that bond translated onto the court as they built the team up together this season. 

“Getting to hang out on a trip like that, going to Tumwater, and seeing these guys actually build that base for the younger guys coming in and new leaders are going to have to come in and step up,” said the coach. “I think that’s a huge deal for the whole program.” 

The contributions from the two Warden seniors, Eli Cox and Hunter Golladay were important in the success of the Cougars’ 2025-26 season. Erdmann said each day both players would come in and give their all, whether it was in practice or against an opponent. 

Their efforts are expected to directly impact the class of returning players as the seniors proved to them the rewards of working hard and handling every situation in a positive light, he said. 

“They’re amazing young men and they’re going to go a long way just because of their mentality and their work ethic,” said the coach. “That’s going to be really neat to see.” 

Kameron Jensen, Daniel Gonzalez, Porter Cox Jaxen Erickson and JJ Madsen are all expected to return to the Cougars next season, now with state experience behind them. Erdmann said the leadership qualities shown from those three and their strong work ethic, along with a skilled younger class gives Warden basketball a bright future. 

“Warden basketball is on the up and up and we’ll keep going,” he said. 

    Warden senior Hunter Golladay gets ready on defense to try and stop his opponent’s push toward the net during a previous game this season.
  

    JJ Madsen, a sophomore from the Cougars, keeps his eye on the opposition while waiting for an opportunity to snag the ball.
  

    Cougars junior Kameron Jenson makes a free throw during a previous matchup this season.
  

    Cougars senior Eli Cox stretches while looking at the scoreboard between free throw shots earlier this season.