CLEVELAND TIGERS
COACH: Daniel Brimmer
Record: 7-18
OUTLOOK
After enduring growing pains last season with a young lineup, the Cleveland Tigers are primed for a turnaround under long-time head coach Daniel Brimmer, now in his 18th year leading the program. With nearly every key contributor returning and a balanced mix of size, skill, and experience, the Tigers are eager to take the next step in 2025-26.
“We return everyone and have put in a lot of work since the end of last year,” said Brimmer. “We should have good balance of guards and bigs.”
Cleveland’s frontcourt will be anchored by two senior leaders — Leonardo Higgins (6-4, Sr.) and Tyler Kelsey (6-5, Sr.) — who provide toughness and physicality inside. “Leonardo and Tyler are light years ahead of their junior campaigns,” Brimmer said. “They’ve both grown tremendously and will be a big part of what we do.”
In the backcourt, the Tigers feature two all-conference guards in Darren Felmlee (6-1, Jr.) and Trey Southward (6-3, So.), a dynamic duo that fuels the team’s offense. Felmlee averaged 14.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game last season, while Southward added 10 points and 5 rebounds per game. “We took some lumps last year with a younger team and now we’re better equipped to make some noise,” Brimmer said.
Brimmer is especially high on Southward’s potential. “Trey has that IT factor,” he said. “He’s the best shooter on the team and one of the smartest players on the court at all times.”
Sophomore Cade Brimmer (5-9, So.) brings extra shooting to stretch defenses, while junior point guard Ace Braswell (5-8, Jr.) and junior wing Dawson Kelcey (6-1, Jr.) add playmaking, defense, and energy on both ends of the floor. “Cade opens the floor for Ace and Dawson,” Brimmer said. “Dawson plays as hard as anyone I’ve ever coached.”
With returning experience across the board and a roster that’s grown physically and mentally, Brimmer believes the Tigers are ready to compete every night.
