Northview basketball has a new look and new coach this season

New Northview coach Brandoen Guyton stands next to Cam Ryans, left, and Jackson Mason during a preseason game against Grandville on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Cam Ryans isn’t used to sitting on the bench.

But Brandoen Guyton, the new Northview High School basketball coach, wanted to see how the Wildcats would play without their star during the second half of a preseason game against Grandville on Wednesday.

“We’re trying different rotations,” Guyton said.

Northview would win the game in overtime. 

Northview has a new coach, new players and Ryans even has a new look.

The senior guard shaved his head recently.
“I did that last week. I was getting tired of the big ol’ afro,” he said with a smile. “I’m getting too old to have all that hair. I look a little shorter. But I got bigger muscle-wise. It evens out.”

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Ryans has started on varsity since he was a freshman. Last year he was named Grand Rapids Press Player of the Year as a junior when he averaged 21.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He also surpassed the 1,000 career point mark.

“I worked with Cam for the past two years,” Guyton said. “But seeing how he is with his teammates and how hard he works … he’s a very hard worker. I was impressed with a lot of the guys.”

Guyton had been a varsity coach for 10 years - one at Creston and nine at Union. But he hadn’t coached in the past few years as he focused on a grass-roots basketball business. But he was hired in July after coach David Chana stepped down to take a new job in Florida.

“It’s fun,” Guyton said. “(During our first preseason game on) Saturday I had to get used to it. After a few minutes I was fine.”

Northview was 19-6 last season and has another talented roster.

“It’s exciting,” Guyton said. “They’ve had success in the past five or six years. And I think there’s another level that we can tap into. Our expectation is to be good state-wide and compete for a state championship.”

Ryans likes how the team looks, too.

“I think we’ve got a pretty well-rounded team,” he said. “We’ve got some good length. It’s still really early though. We’ve got potential.”

Ryans recently signed to play at Western Michigan University. He will play along with his brother E.J. Ryans and former Northview teammate Brady Swartz.

“It’s amazing,” Ryans said. “Its more relaxing playing basketball. Now all I have to worry about is winning and not my personal play. It’s a big relief.”

Northview junior Anthony Willis pushes the ball up court during a preseason game against Grandville on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

Guyton is still trying to get to know his team. He’s still not sure who his starting five will be.

“That’s a good question,” he said on Saturday. “We really don’t know yet. I didn’t get the chance to coach them in team camp. I didn’t meet them until July. Then we had the dead period. So I’ve only coached them for two weeks. So I’m now learning their habits, what they are good at and what they need to improve on.”

Two options are at the guard position. Junior Brayden Williams transferred in from Wyoming and junior Anthony Willis, who has played on varsity since he was a freshman.

“Seeing Anthony Willis close up and realizing how much talent the kid has,” Guyton said. “I think he could be one of the best point guards in the region. We want to help build his confidence and help him realize what his ceiling is.”

On Williams: “I like Brayden. I wasn’t really familiar with him until July when we first met. He’s got good skill and foundation. Good guard with a good shot. I’m looking forward to help him build. He’s a great kid, too.”  

Northview begins its season on Friday, Dec. 5 at Godwin Heights.