If you walk into the Redmond-Potter Gymnasium on a Tuesday night in January, the first thing you’ll notice isn't the scoreboard. It’s the air. It feels heavy, like it’s saturated with eighty years of sweat and high-stakes tension. People talk about "tradition" in high school sports like it’s some abstract concept found in a trophy case, but for Muskegon Big Reds basketball, tradition is a living, breathing, and occasionally very loud neighbor.
Honestly, most outsiders just see the win-loss columns. They see the 2024-25 season where the Big Reds gritted out 20 wins. They see the 2014 perfect season. But if you think this program is just a "basketball factory," you’re missing the point entirely. It's a community anchor.
The Keith Guy Era and the 2026 Resurgence
Coach Keith Guy is currently in his 14th season, and the man has basically become the architect of modern West Michigan hoops. You’ve got to respect the consistency. Since he took over, the Big Reds have hit the 20-win mark 11 times. That’s not a fluke; it's a standard.
The 2025-26 squad is special, though. Why? Because they’re playing with a chip on their shoulder the size of Lake Michigan. Last year ended in heartbreak—a buzzer-beater loss to Rockford in the District Final. That 64-62 score stayed on the minds of these kids all summer.
James Martin is the name you’re going to hear everywhere this year. He’s a 6-foot-4 senior who committed to the University of Detroit Mercy, and he is, quite frankly, a problem for every defensive coordinator in the O-K Green Conference. He missed the tail end of last season with a broken arm. Watching him play now, you can tell he’s making up for lost time. He’s got this explosive vertical that makes you blink twice. He’s not just a scorer; he’s the emotional heartbeat of the floor.
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Guy mentioned recently that when Martin went down last year, the whole bench was in tears. That’s the kind of bond we’re talking about here.
Current 2025-26 Season Snapshot
As of mid-January 2026, the Big Reds are rolling. They’re sitting at a clean 6-0 (per MaxPreps early January data) and recently dismantled Marquette 71-49. They also grabbed a gritty 57-52 win over Ferndale in the Muskegon Basketball Showcase. This team isn't just relying on Martin, either. You’ve got shooters like Tyson Worthington and AJ Lambers spacing the floor, which basically gives Martin a runway to the rim.
Why the "Big Red" Culture is Different
A lot of people think the Big Reds just out-athlete everyone. That’s a lazy take. The reality is that Muskegon plays a brand of "positionless" basketball that most high schools can’t coordinate. James Martin can literally play the 1 through the 5. He’ll bring the ball up, then post up a smaller guard on the next possession.
It’s about "scrapping." Coach Guy uses that word a lot. He doesn't care about who gets the bucket as long as it goes in.
- Defensive Identity: They pressure the ball until you're tired of holding it.
- The "Hackley" Atmosphere: Playing at home is an undeniable advantage. The fans don't just sit; they participate.
- Rivalry Intensity: When they play Mona Shores, the city stops. Period.
Earlier in 2025, they beat Mona Shores 76-29 to clinch their 11th league title in 12 years. That’s dominance that borders on the absurd. But the Sailors always play them tough, especially with former Big Reds assistant Lewis Murray leading the Shores program. It’s a chess match every time.
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Breaking Down the "Greatest Team" Debate
Is the current 2026 team the best ever? Probably not yet. That 2014 Class A championship team was a different beast. They went 28-0. They had Deshaun Thrower (Mr. Basketball) and Deyonta Davis (who went to Michigan State and the NBA). That team didn't just win; they suffocated people.
Then you have the 2023 team that made it to the state finals at the Breslin Center. They fell to Detroit Cass Tech 78-63, but that run re-established Muskegon as the kings of the west side.
The 2026 group has the depth to get back to the Breslin. They have size in the paint with 6-6 Ethan Matthews and 6-5 Ky'ren Noble. They have the guard play. But more importantly, they have the "will."
Common Misconceptions About Muskegon Hoops
One big thing people get wrong: they think Muskegon is only a "football school."
Sure, the football program has over 800 wins. It’s legendary. But the basketball program has been just as elite over the last decade. In fact, many of the best basketball players are also the stars on the gridiron. That crossover creates a level of physical toughness that most "pure" basketball teams can't handle. They aren't afraid of contact. They invite it.
Another misconception is that it’s all about the stars. While players like Jordan Briggs or Anthony Sydnor from recent years get the headlines, the Big Reds win because of the "glue guys." The kids who dive for loose balls when they’re up by twenty. That’s the Keith Guy system.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Recruits
If you're looking to follow or get involved with Muskegon Big Reds basketball, here is what you actually need to do:
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- Watch the Showcase Events: Don't just wait for the playoffs. The Muskegon Basketball Showcase in early January is where the best talent in the state converges. It’s the best $10 you’ll spend on sports.
- Follow the O-K Green Standings: The conference is tougher than people realize. Teams like Reeths-Puffer and Zeeland West are always looking to knock the Big Reds off their perch.
- Check the MHSAA Brackets Early: By late February, the "March Madness" of Michigan high school hoops begins. Muskegon usually competes in Division 1, District 4.
- Support the Youth Programs: The Big Reds' success starts at the middle school level at Nelson and Steele. If you want to see the future of the program, look at the 8th-grade rosters now.
The journey to the Breslin Center isn't easy. It’s a gauntlet of Detroit-area powerhouses and hungry West Michigan rivals. But with James Martin healthy and a roster that shoots nearly 40% from the arc, the Big Reds are as dangerous as they've ever been. They aren't just playing for a trophy; they're playing for a city that expects nothing less than a banner.