The Montana Tech Orediggers men's basketball team is on a mission—a quest to dominate the Frontier Conference for the fifth consecutive year. But here's the catch: in a league that's bigger and more competitive than ever, can they keep their throne?
With the Frontier Conference now boasting 12 teams stretching from eastern Nebraska to Havre, Montana, the landscape has shifted. Yet, one constant remains: the Orediggers are the team to beat. As four-time defending regular season and tournament champions, they’ve painted a massive target on their backs. Junior guard Brayden Koch puts it bluntly, ‘We’re going to have a huge target on our back, just like every year. We’ve got to treat every game, every practice, like it’s our most important.’
Despite losing key seniors—Keeley Bake and Michael Ure, now part of the coaching staff—the Orediggers are far from depleted. They return reigning conference player of the year Hayden Diekhans and boast an enviable depth chart. ‘We’ve got 13-14 guys who could start for any team,’ says head coach Adam Hiatt. ‘We’re going to push a fast-paced, high-intensity style, rotating 10-11 players to keep the pressure on.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: can a team with so much depth truly maintain the chemistry needed for a championship run? Diekhans admits, ‘Practices are brutal. You’re going up against guys who could be starters anywhere else. It’s a grind, but it makes us sharper.’
Hiatt believes this depth will be their edge in a grueling season. With back-to-back games and tough travel, endurance will be key. ‘This is a marathon, not a sprint,’ he says. ‘We’re built to outlast anyone.’
Players like junior forward Karson Peffer and Rhett Reynolds, now in a starting role, are poised to break out. Redshirt Ethan Venema, junior college transfer Marley Gonzalez, and freshman guard Asher Williams are wildcards who could surprise. And then there’s Cam Larance, the sixth-year senior guard returning from a knee injury. ‘His offensive skills are unmatched, and his defensive grit is infectious,’ Diekhans praises. ‘He’s a leader we’ve missed.’
What truly sets the Orediggers apart, though, is their continuity. Since Adam Hiatt took over in 2016, not a single player has transferred out—a rarity in college sports. ‘It’s about culture,’ Hiatt explains. ‘We treat every player like they’re in the rotation, even if they’re not. We care about their growth on and off the court.’
But this raises a question: in an era of transfer portals and instant gratification, is their loyalty a strength or a missed opportunity for players seeking more playing time? Let us know in the comments.
The Orediggers’ non-conference schedule is no cakewalk, either. Opening against Eastern Oregon on October 25, they’ll face tough rematches with Southern Oregon and LC State. ‘We’re going from 0 to 100,’ Hiatt says. ‘No easing in.’
As the season tips off, one thing is clear: the Orediggers are chasing history. But in a league full of hungry challengers, will their depth, culture, and grit be enough? And this is the part most people miss: their success isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience. But can resilience alone secure a 5-peat?
