ELGIN OWLS
Coach: DERRICK THOMAS
2025-26 Record: 1-21
For Elgin’s boys basketball team, the path forward begins with defense, leadership and a commitment to building something stronger. Coming off a 1-21 season, head coach Derrick Thomas is looking for his players to establish an identity rooted in effort and accountability.
Thomas, entering his ninth year at Elgin, has six seniors available to help guide the younger players. With assistant coaches Stirling Thomas and Thomas Razor alongside him, he sees a group capable of competing through its athleticism and defensive intensity.
“This year’s team, we have six seniors that will bring leadership to our younger guys,” Thomas said. “We have the guys and athleticism to compete on the defensive end every game.”
That defensive emphasis gives Elgin a clear starting point. While Thomas believes his team has players who can produce offensively from different areas, the expectation is for defensive performance to provide the foundation each night.
“Our identity will be defense, but we also have guys who can score in different spots on the floor,” Thomas said.
One player positioned to contribute on both ends is Cordae Richie. An athletic guard, Richie has played varsity minutes since his sophomore season. That experience gives him an opportunity to take on an important role as Elgin works toward improvement.
“He has the potential to lead us on the defensive end and score points for us,” Thomas said.
Sophomore Ondre Scott adds versatility to the lineup. A guard/forward, Scott can score in the post and on the wing, giving Elgin options in multiple areas of the offense. Thomas believes Scott has considerable potential as he continues developing.
John Lohman brings another valuable ingredient: dependable leadership. Thomas describes him as coachable, consistently positive and willing to give everything for his teammates regardless of the circumstances.
Those qualities fit the approach Thomas wants throughout his program. For Elgin, progress will mean translating senior leadership, developing talent and daily work into a more competitive team. The challenge is turning those strengths into consistent performances together.
“We will continue to work hard and build this basketball culture in Elgin,” Thomas said of the season ahead.
