For the Norwalk boys basketball program, sub .500 records don’t come around very often. So while the Warriors’ 11-12 final record wasn’t what head coach Aaron Pelzer was hoping for during the 2024-25 season, he knows that wins and losses don’t always paint an accurate picture of a team’s overall performance.

On the positive side, Norwalk placed third in the Little Hawkeye Conference at 8-4. Led by an all-senior starting five, the Warriors held 12 opponents to 50 points or less. Of their 12 total losses, 11 came against Class 4A and 3A teams that reached at least the Substate finals.

Pelzer tells KNIA Sports that Norwalk’s non-conference schedule was likely the most difficult it’s ever been, and that’s hard to argue after facing the likes of Ballard, West Des Moines Valley, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Ames, Johnston, Dowling Catholic and ADM. Pelzer calls the season a process and an evolution that saw many players take on new or bigger roles than in the past. He says he never doubted his players’ effort, adding that they always brought it on the defensive end while improving offensively throughout the season.

“I’m proud of the group we have, I’m proud of the progress we made and how hard we played. I never questioned how hard we played,” Pelzer said. “It gets to this time of year… and as much as you hate to say goodbye to those seniors it’s time to turn the page and get ready for the next year.”

Norwalk’s seniors included starters Cameron Thomas, Mason Johnson, Kaleb Foltz, Tim Koerselman and Grady Sigrist, and reserves Jack Larson and Gavin Smith. Sigrist led the team in numerous statistical categories, including 14.1 points per game, and Thomas, a three-year starter, averaged 10.3.

Coach Pelzer adds that one of the biggest highlights of the year was nearly knocking off eventual three-time 4A champion West Des Moines Valley on their home floor less than 24 hours after struggling in a 37-32 loss at Indianola. The Warriors shot 29 percent against the Indians, then led nearly the entire game against the Tigers before falling 61-58.

Pelzer says that Norwalk won’t shy away from another difficult schedule next season, when guards Audric Pelzer and Tillman Papcun will return to lead the Warriors.