It’s never too early to start working toward next year, especially when you return the balanced attack that Wayne basketball coach Jackson Emby does.

Two days after losing 48-45 to Snyder in the first round of regionals to end their season, members of the girls’ basketball team were back in the gym sharpening their skills

“We bring everyone back and fully expect to make a run at it next year,” Embry told The Register. “We already had girls in the gym shooting over the weekend and prepping for the summer.”

Wayne (11-13) will return leading scorers Audra Watts (15.6 points per game), Taelyn Ringwald (13.7) and Natalie Knobloch, who averaged 13. 2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.4 steals in her freshman season

“This has been one of my favorite groups to coach as far as connection and buying into what we want as a staff,” Embry said. “I’m excited about the future with this group of girls. They work hard and want to be great.”

“We have a busy summer schedule ahead of us against some bigger schools at camps across the state.”

Boys

Wayne beat Snyder 79-38 at Canute on Thursday but lost 60-47 to Thomas the next day to end its season.

It marked the third time in four years that Wayne (12-13) lost a second-round regionals contest.

If the Bulldogs are going to make a playoff run next season, they’ll have to do so without starters Ben Fisher, Sloan Jackson, Cameron Davis and key contributor Max McGlory.

Fisher led the team in scoring (25.6 points per game) and assists (4.8) while Jackson averaged a team-high 3.7 steals.

“We graduate four great kids who all played a major part in what we did this season,” Embry said. “I’m extremely proud of the groups of guys we had this year; they were fun to be around and loved to compete with one another each day.”

Embry has high expectations for the 2026-27 season.

“We expect to have a great season as we bring back 15 guys and six of them will be getting a lot of minutes,” he said. “We will definitely miss Ben, Sloan, Cameron and Max, but I’m excited for the future of our program for years to come. Those guys help set the path for that.”