There is excitement brewing for the Rhinebeck High School varsity boys basketball team’s 2025-2026 season. The Hawks open their season against tournament host Saugerties on Dec. 4.
“We’re still gelling as a team, trying to figure out our identity,” said Rhinebeck senior Bodhi Stylman. “We want to win as much as we can. The sky is really the limit for us. We don’t really want to put a cap on ourselves when it comes to winning.
Stylman added, “There is a lot of work to be done. There’s been a lot of heart, a lot of hustle and a great work ethic in preseason. There is a deep understanding of basketball and we want to get better every day.”
The Hawks qualified as the sixth seed for the 2024-2025 Section IX Class B playoffs and lost six seniors from last year’s team, including all-state player Parker Ruger.
Junior Nico Dentico and Stylman, both guards, have led this year’s team in preseason.
“I think things are going great,” said Dentico. “Everyone is working hard. I’m excited. Everyone is here to win.”
Coach David Aierstok admits he’s still learning about this year’s team. Aierstok arrived in the district in 2005, and is back as coach after taking a year off.
“I haven’t really coached any of these kids,” he said. “There’s a lot to do. I’m excited for that because I think the journey is the best part of this. They work hard and they listen. Hopefully, that will continue.”
Aierstok shared the key to his team’s success in the upcoming season.
“They’ve got to work hard, defend and rebound. Defending and rebounding will keep you in almost every game if you do it the right way,” he said.
“We have 11 guys. They are athletes who play multiple sports, and they’re quick.”
The Hawks are scheduled to host Webutuck on Dec. 19 in their only home game before the holiday break. After the break, Rhinebeck will host Pine Plains on Jan. 13.
“I haven’t had this feeling since I came here in 2005,” said Aierstok. “We’ll keep working and get better every day.”