After a remarkable 23-7 season that ended in the State Quarterfinals, the Duke Tigers return four starters and their top three scorers, positioning themselves for another deep playoff run. Under eighth-year head coach Nick Gable, this close-knit group of athletes enters the season with a strong sense of identity and a commitment to defense that has become the hallmark of Duke basketball.
Last season, the Tigers faced the challenge of having zero returning starters from the 2024 State Semi-Final team. Despite early struggles, the boys came together, developed chemistry, and advanced all the way back to the state tournament, setting the stage for the experience and leadership they now bring to the court.
Junior forward Aiden Tamplen (6-0, Jr.), a Region 4 All-District selection, All-Conference honoree, and last year’s conference tournament MVP, leads the team with 15.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Tamplen is a versatile scorer with a strong frame and deceptive ball-handling ability. On defense, he patrols the paint with intensity, anchoring the Tigers’ interior defense and providing a physical presence opponents must account for.
Also returning are forward Lance Womack (6-3, Jr.), who had 12.4 points and 8.2 rebounds last season, and junior guard Nathan Gable (5-11, Jr.), who averaged 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds, and also added 143 deflections. Both bring scoring, rebounding, and defensive disruption to the floor. Braden Gable (5-8, Sr.) and Grant Milner (6-2, Sr.) provide leadership and depth. Braden, a standout student ranked #1 in his class and concurrently enrolled in college courses, is a selfless point guard who took 51 charges last season. His intensity and leadership set a standard both on and off the court. Milner contributes as a forward, averaging three points per game, offering experience and versatility.
The Tigers’ strength lies in their defensive intensity, unselfish play, and team chemistry. This season, Duke aims to leverage its experience, leadership, and returning talent to make another deep postseason run. With a blend of skilled scorers, tenacious defenders, and a strong locker room culture, the Tigers are poised to challenge for conference and state honors once again.
