By: Chris Cox, FireLake Arena Communications Director
After a historic season in 2024, the Potawatomi Fire look to continue making history in 2025.
2024, in a lot of ways, was a season of destiny for the Fire. The Fire went 28-0 and won The Basketball League (TBL) Championship for the second straight season. The undefeated record and the back-to-back titles were both firsts in TBL history.
“We started working on the 2024 season the day after the 2023 season ended,” said Fire general manager David Qualls. “First, we wanted to figure out what we did right, what we did wrong, and what can we do to make it better. It was such a gratifying experience winning one championship and the only thing we wanted to do was make the program better for 2024.”
2024 was clearly better as the Fire won their second straight TBL Championship. The Fire used an explosive offense to lead them to the 2024 title, setting new TBL records for points per game (131.0) and assists per game (28.4) along the way. The Fire were efficient on that end of the court as well, shooting just under 54% from the field.
“I thought our guys really bought into their roles on the court,” said two-time TBL Coach of the Year Mark Dannhoff. “Even if we got down, especially early, we never felt like we were out of any game. We had a veteran team, and a confident team, which allowed us to come back after some poor starts. We really made a point to get guys that were versatile so when we subbed guys in and out, we don’t lose or change much.”
While the offense was explosive, this wasn’t a team built to simply outscore their opponents. The 2024 Potawatomi Fire were suffocating on defense as well, holding opponents to 105.7 points per game.
“We play defense a little different than some people,” said Dannhoff. “Our guys are good at scrambling and when you can scramble like we can, you can make up for a lot of errors on the defensive end.”
While the Fire’s defense was one of the best in TBL, Dannhoff believes there is still room for improvement.
“Going back and looking at film, I actually thought we could’ve been better defensively,” Dannhoff said. “It’s odd to say after you have the season we had that your disappointed but maybe that’s why we’re who we are and where we are. It’s never good enough. We can always get better. We might be pleased where we are, but we know we can get better. I really felt we could’ve been a better defensive team and have a lot of room for improvement.”
Following the history making season of 2024, what’s left for the Fire to accomplish and how will the Fire measure success in 2025 after going undefeated and winning another Lillie (TBL’s Championship trophy)?
“It’s hard to have less expectations than we did last year but as I said on the night we won the championship, I feel like we have a dynasty forming,” Qualls said. “We have all the pieces in place and the support of the community and CPN. I feel like we have the roster that can win a third straight title, and while that’s a goal, my expectation as general manager is to give our fans the best bang for their buck. As the GM, I can’t judge success based solely on if we win or if we lose. I believe as long as our fans are here with us and this is a viable program as an enterprise for the Tribe, then we will always have success on the court as well.”
With history on the line every time they step on the court, the Fire know they will get everyone’s best effort throughout the season. To handle that physically and mentally daunting task, Qualls and Dannhoff have put together a roster that could be better than last year’s.
Returning for the Fire are 2024 TBL MVP Chuck Guy and Sixth Man of the Year Ricky Artis. Also back is the Fire’s longest tenured player and two-time TBL Playoff MVP (2023 and 2024), Deshawn Munson. Returning alongside those three players are Jachai Simmons, Isaiah Wade and Jaylen Mahone. Rounding out the returners from last year’s historic team is TBL’s only three-time champion, Paul Harrison.
“We wanted to get our key player recommitted to coming back early on,” Qualls said. “Everyone has bought into the Fire but there is always a negotiation that goes on and we were able to come to agreement with almost everyone we wanted back. We did lose a couple of players, and we wish them the best, but we are very happy with the guys we have coming back.”
“You always have to have a good foundation,” said Dannhoff. “Anytime you can bring your core back, you’re already off to a good start. We are really excited about our returners. We certainly will miss some guys that aren’t with us this season, but I have the utmost confidence in the guys coming back, and the new guys coming in, that we can be successful.”
In addition to the seven returners, the Fire have signed four new players for the 2025 season. They are Jay Hedgeman, Kam Williams, Charles Lampton and Buay Koka.
“Kam and Hedgeman both have a lot of experience both in TBL and overseas,” said Dannhoff. “I think they can come in right away and step right in. There won’t be a real learning curve for them outside of what we do. Both Kam and Jay bring a lot of experience, talent, skill, and versatility. Buay and Charles are coming in to support us in the post. I think both of these guys have really high ceilings. They play hard and protect the rim. They not only block shots but they change shots and they are both something we haven’t had over the past couple of years. They are also very skilled, can handle the ball, and do a lot of things well, especially for being seven feet tall. We are really excited about them and can’t wait to see their progress.”
While 2024 was historic in many ways, history can continue for the Fire in 2025. Along with looking to become TBL’s first ever three-time and back-to-back-to-back champs, the Fire are also entering this season with a TBL record 30-game win streak, which dates back to the 2023 TBL Championship series. The Fire have also won 36 consecutive home games inside FireLake Arena. That streak dates back to May 14, 2022.
If 2024 was a season of destiny, then 2025 has dynastic potential for the Fire as they look to, again, claim their spot atop the TBL.
The Fire are set to play a 20-game regular season schedule. The regular season tipped off Sunday, March 2 when the Fire visited Little Rock Lightning. The Fire’s first home game was Saturday, March 8 against the Western Oklahoma Sky Kings.
For a full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit potawatomifire.com. Be sure to follow the Fire on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
