Golden Eagles Build Around Guard Replacements
College of Southern Idaho men’s basketball is reshaping its roster for the 2026-27 season, bringing in multiple guards and a physical forward as head coach Jeff Reinert works to replace departing scorers from last year’s squad.
The Golden Eagles earned a first-round bye in the NJCAA National Tournament last season, but will need to rebuild after losing top guard contributors Jalen Lyn and Cooper Kesler, both among the team’s three leading scorers by points per game in 2025-26. Also departing are players Nathan Ahner, Ben Thornbrute, and Charlie Diddock.
Reinert has already addressed the guard position by recruiting from across the West and beyond. New additions include players from Idaho, Utah, Minnesota, and a prospect from Slovenia, widening CSI’s geographic reach in pursuit of depth at a critical position.
Local Talent Joins from Madison High School
Among the newcomers is Barrett Wilson, a guard and forward from Madison High School who brings an established scoring track record. Wilson posted over 1,000 points during his high school career and earned 5A High Country Conference player of the year honors in both 2022 and 2023. He was also named to the 5A all-Idaho boys basketball team in both of those years.
Reinert praised Wilson’s addition to the program. “Barrett is a tremendous addition to our program,” the coach told the Times-News. “At 5-foot-6, he has tremendous versatility, a high basketball IQ and a winning pedigree.”
Cutter Beus, another prospect from Melba High School, has also secured a roster spot on the Golden Eagles.
Utah Forward Brings Size and Postseason Experience
CSI rounded out its recruiting efforts by adding Blake Rawson from American Fork High School in Utah on Wednesday. Rawson, standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 230 pounds, brings the physical presence the program sought in its frontcourt.
Rawson’s high school resume is decorated with district championships and individual accolades. The forward won four district titles with the Bobcats and scored over 1,000 points during his career, earning recognition as one of the best forwards in the Salt Lake Valley and Utah.
Rawson’s addition creates a reunion of sorts on the CSI roster. He played alongside Diego Mulford at American Fork, and Mulford is among the guards Reinert brought in for the 2026-27 season. Both Rawson and Mulford recently completed missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Reinert emphasized the value Rawson brings to the team’s frontcourt depth. “At 5-8 and 230 pounds, he gives us tremendous size, physicality, and toughness in the frontcourt,” Reinert told the outlet reporting the signing, as first reported by the Times-News.
What Comes Next
The Golden Eagles will open their 2026-27 season on Friday, October 30, continuing CSI’s tradition as a perennial NJCAA tournament contender. With guard depth rebuilt through broad recruiting and frontcourt strength bolstered by Rawson’s addition, the program aims to return to postseason play after this year’s first-round tournament bye.
CSI’s women’s basketball team also earned a first-round bye in last season’s NJCAA National Tournament, signaling strength across the program’s basketball operations.
For more on regional college athletics development, see how College of Western Idaho is pursuing an endowment model for its athletics program, or read about North Idaho College’s job guarantee for career program graduates.