News Summary

Valley High School in West Des Moines has named Brian Ricke as the new head coach for the boys basketball team, starting with the 2025-26 season. Following B.J. Windhorst’s resignation after 11 successful seasons, which included four state championships, Ricke, an experienced assistant coach, is set to lead the team forward. With returning players ready to step up, the Valley Tigers community is eager for the new season and the promise it holds.

Exciting News from West Des Moines: Valley High Welcomes New Basketball Head Coach!

West Des Moines is buzzing with excitement! Valley High School has just announced the appointment of Brian Ricke as the new head coach of the boys basketball team, taking the reins starting in the 2025-26 season. This is a big change for the team as they transition from the long-standing leadership of B.J. Windhorst, who made the tough decision to resign after 11 impressive seasons.

The Legacy of Coach Windhorst

During his time at Valley, Windhorst built a remarkable legacy, leading the team to a total of four Class 4A state championships. Notably, the team celebrated consecutive victories in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Those years will surely be remembered as a golden era for Valley basketball, and students, alumni, and fans alike will be forever grateful for Windhorst’s dedication and success.

Brian Ricke: Ready to Step Up

But there’s no need to worry about the future of Valley basketball! Coach Ricke, who has served as an assistant coach for the last two seasons, is stepping up to take charge. He played a vital role in helping the team clinch their last two championship victories, so he definitely knows the ins and outs of what it takes to succeed on the court. With his energetic attitude, effective game preparation skills, and a strong bond with the players, Ricke has already made a significant impact and is poised to continue the legacy of winning.

A Diverse Coaching Background

Ricke isn’t new to the coaching scene. Before his time at Valley High, he was an assistant coach at William Penn University from 2019 to 2021, showcasing his ability to guide and mentor athletes at a higher level. His journey in basketball began even earlier as he served as a team manager for the University of Northern Iowa men’s basketball program from 2016 to 2019. This wealth of experience has equipped Ricke with valuable insights and strategies that he can now bring to his new role at Valley.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Returning Stars

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, they have a challenge to tackle. Valley High finished an impressive previous season with a record of 23 wins and 4 losses, defeating Waukee Northwest in the Class 4A finals. However, as they look to build on this success, they will need to replace some key players including Zay Robinson, Kiki Deng, Marcus McGregor, and Trevin Jirak. This creates an opportunity for some of the returning players to step up and shine.

The returning stars include Jayden McGregory, Colton Roemmich, and Keane Jorgensen, who will have the chance to take on more prominent roles as the team moves forward. With Coach Ricke at the helm, fans can expect to see them develop into more formidable athletes while also embracing new tactics and strategies to keep the Valley spirit strong.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Coach Ricke settles into his new role, everyone in the West Des Moines community is eager to see how he shapes the future of Valley boys basketball. There’s a lot to look forward to in the coming season, and the excitement is palpable. With a strong leader like Ricke and a mix of returning talent, Valley High School is more ready than ever to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

So let’s keep those sneakers ready and support our Valley Tigers as they embark on this new chapter. What a time to be a fan!

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