Webster City’s Briar Klaver hugs Ty McKinney after their game against Bishop Heelan. (Photo by Tyler Anderson, Daily-Freeman Journal)

FORT DODGE — Moments after time had expired in the Class 3A Substate 1 final, there was a wide range of emotions on the faces of the Webster City boys basketball team.

The Lynx’s latest winter campaign had come to a painful close, due to a 65-50 loss to Bishop Heelan. Retracing the steps made by Webster City’s revered 2005 squad will have to wait another year.

Down 10-0 from the start, the Lynx had fought back to within three at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Despite hacking away at the Crusaders’ lead and successfully reviving the proverbial home crowd, Bishop Heelan replied by making enough plays to pull away from the Lynx.

Tears were shed, and hugs were shared between coaches and teammates, before making their final walk to the locker room. Moments later, WCHS head boys’ basketball coach Brett Ratcliff broadcasted his “end of the season” speech — something every coach must do, no matter how hard it may be to part ways.

Seniors Jaime Grossoehme, Ty McKinney and Jayce Neuroth — the nucleus responsible for the Lynx’s turnaround season of 18-4 and 11-3 within the North Central Conference — walked off of the court for their final time in purple and gold.

Together, they netted 30 victories over the past two seasons.

“Those three seniors have been our foundation, whether it’s been in practice, during games or in the locker room,” said Brett Ratcliff, WCHS boys’ head basketball coach. “They held everybody accountable. They did things the right way. They worked their butts off, and got everybody into the weight room.”

“They did everything that senior leaders should do, and as a coach, that’s who you want,” Ratcliff added. “You need guys like them to step up — not just on the court, but also off the court. All three of them are great students, and all of that stuff adds up towards our basketball program.”

McKinney delivered a performance to be remembered against Heelan, scoring 23 points — 12 of which coming from beyond the arc. Neuroth chipped in with 10 points, while Grossoehme was held scoreless by the Crusader defense.

Over the course of the season, however, it was Grossoehme who led the Lynx in scoring with 344 points, with more than 100 rebounds, 50 assists, 30 steals and 20 blocks.

McKinney’s numbers were nothing to scoff at either, compiling 290 points with more than 70 rebounds, 70 assists, 30 steals and 10 blocks. Even though Neuroth accumulated 88 points in 2022-2023, the point guard was a selfless distributor by capturing more than 80 boards, 70 assists and 50 steals.

As Grossoehme, McKinney and Neuroth move on, the Lynx’s upward trend may not be limited to just one fine season. According to Ratcliff, junior playmakers such as Briar Klaver, Braden Doering and Jack Larson will be looked upon to carry on that success.

“This junior class has been successful, all of the way through the ranks, from seventh and eighth grade on,” Ratcliff said. “They always had good teams. Our goal is to keep building off of that, and we’ll have a couple of starters who will return next year.”

Klaver will headline the Class of 2024, after a strong season of 309 points and more than 180 rebounds, 40 assists, 30 steals and 20 blocks. Doering netted 158 points, with more than 100 boards, 40 assists and 20 steals.

Even though Larson had played in 16 of the Lynx’s 21 contests, Larson’s energy was vital in Webster City’s previous substate victories over Gilbert and ADM. This past season, Larson tallied 89 points, more than 50 rebounds, nearly 10 assists, 10 steals and 10 blocks.

“Jack will probably be stepping into a starting role,” Ratcliff said. “There are guys on the bench who are ready to step into some roles, along with some sophomores and freshmen coming up.”

Junior Trevyn Lyons will be called upon for more minutes next season, along with teammates Kaleb White and Brandon Lahr. Sophomores Luke Firsching and Cole Miller will contend for some playing time in the near future, as well as freshman Carter Mickelson.

“Obviously, the program is in great shape,” Ratcliff said. “This offseason, we’re going to work hard and by next season, we’ll be better and stronger.”