Lakin basketball: Doume’s arrival elevates already talented Broncs

Coming off an impressive 18-5 season in 2023-24, Lakin High School boys basketball had high expectations entering this winter. With an experienced senior group and four returning starters, including three total first-team all-league selections and Hi-Plains Player of the Year Colter Oldham, the Broncs were poised to make another strong run. The addition of foreign exchange student Nicolas Doume-Bekale has only raised the team’s ceiling as they push toward their goal of reaching the Class 3A state tournament.

Doume, a 6-foot-6 senior from Gabon, in central Africa, has quickly made his presence felt for the Broncs. In five games, he is averaging a team-best 16.6 points per game while shooting 58.5% from the field and has pulled in 7.2 rebounds per game, including 17 offensive rebounds. His athleticism, length, and versatility have complemented an already experienced group of players.

“[Doume’s] biggest attribute is he loves the game,” head coach Nate Schmitt said. “He’s constantly working—whether it’s mornings, after practice, or after games—to improve his skills. He’s a very raw but talented player with high goals, and he’s already made a big impact.”

Lakin’s tradition of welcoming foreign exchange students has created a community that values inclusivity and opportunity, making Doume’s transition a natural fit. 

“[We’ve had] several foreign exchange kids over the years,” head coach Nate Schmitt said. “I remember one year, pre-COVID, we had seven foreign exchange kids. It’s not something new to us. We’re always willing to take kids, help them out, and provide them an opportunity here.”

Doume’s journey to Lakin is unique. He previously played for Gabon’s FIBA national team and came to the United States seeking more opportunity both academically and athletically. While adapting to a new system and overcoming language barriers, Doume has quickly earned the trust of his teammates and coaching staff.

“It’s been a process to integrate him into what we do, but his basketball IQ and work ethic have been huge,” Schmitt said. “This group has been together since fifth grade, and adding someone as talented as Nico has been exciting. Once we’re all on the same page, we’ll be even better.”

Oldham, a 6-foot-2 three-sport standout, has continued to shine in his senior year. A second-team all-state selection last season, Oldham is averaging 11.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while shooting 49.0% from the field. In addition to his basketball success, Oldham is an elite track and field athlete, winning state titles in both the shot put (59-09.50) and discus (180-09) last spring, and a KFBCA All-State running back in football with multiple scholarship offers, including a Division I opportunity from the University of Pennsylvania.

Other key contributors for the Broncs include first-team all-league selections Austin Ritsema and Adrik Gomez-Esquibel. Ritsema, a 6-foot-7 senior, has been a dominant presence in the post, averaging 10.0 points and a team-leading 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting 52.3% from the field. Gomez-Esquibel, a 6-foot-1 senior guard, provides steady backcourt play with averages of 7.0 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. Senior guard Dru Patterson adds 5.4 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game, while senior forward Ross Rider contributes 3.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest. Senior Noah Garcia chips in 4.0 points and 1.2 rebounds per game, and senior Tyelor Holloway leads the team in assists with 2.0 per game, adding 0.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per outing. This experienced group has helped Lakin maintain its balance on both ends of the floor.

The Broncs are currently 4-1 on the season, with their lone loss coming to a talented Colby squad in Goodland’s Topside Tipoff tournament last week. Wins over Sharon Springs-Wallace County, Ulysses, Norton, and Sublette, with a 42.25 point average margin of victory, have showcased Lakin’s ability to dominate opponents with their full-court pressure and offensive balance.

“We’re not where we want to be yet,” Schmitt said. “But it’s exciting to know we’re 4-1 and still have so much room for growth. The goal isn’t to peak in December—it’s to play our best basketball in March.”

Doume’s integration into Schmitt’s system, which emphasizes full-court man-to-man defense—a system drawn heavily from Wichita Collegiate head coach Mitch Fiegel’s highly effective run-and-jump press—and a corresponding up-tempo offensive approach, is a work in progress. However, Schmitt praised Doume’s willingness to adapt and his defensive tenacity.

“The first thing we noticed when we saw film of Nico was how hard he played, especially on the defensive end,” Schmitt said. “Our run-and-jump press takes time to learn, but he’s catching on quickly. Offensively, he’s sometimes too unselfish—he could score anytime he wants—but that’s a good problem to have.”

The Broncs close out 2024 with a tough test against 6A Dodge City before resuming play on Jan. 10 against Syracuse. Schmitt believes this team has the potential to make a deep postseason run.

“This group has the talent and work ethic to achieve great things,” Schmitt said. “We’ve had talented teams in the past that fell just short, but this team has the pieces to take that next step. We just have to keep improving and put ourselves in a position to succeed come March.”