Boulton continues family legacy, program success

MONTEZUMA — Montezuma junior Brady Boulton comes from a basketball family, and it’s safe to say he has carried on the family legacy.

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been around the game of basketball,” Boulton said. “I’ve loved it from the get-go.”

Boulton has been attending youth camps since he was in Kindergarten.

His grandfather, Al Rabenold, was a longtime coach of the Montezuma boys’ team. Boulton’s parents were both standout prep players.

Both his sisters are recent Montezuma graduates. Mia (2023) and Elise (2021) were prominent players for the Bravettes, both reaching the 1,000-point milestone.

On Thursday, Dec. 12, in a game against GMG, Boulton became the third sibling to reach the milestone in five seasons.

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It only took Boulton 51 games, scoring 36 in the win. The shot to cross the mark came on a basket plus the foul.

“It felt pretty good,” Boulton said. “Growing up, I’ve seen numerous players, including both my sisters hit that mark. It was nice being able to get it at home with a good crowd.”

What has been the biggest thing that’s contributed to Boulton’s success since his freshman year? His work ethic and commitment to the game.

“It's been a joy to coach Brady,” said coach Derrick Dengler. “What makes him unique is his work ethic, commitment and knowledge of basketball.

“His work ethic shows in his ability to shoot and handle the ball. His knowledge shows in his ability to control a game and generate good shots for himself and others,” said Dengler.

“He's also a committed defender who creates a lot of steals.”

As a somewhat undersized guard, Boulton attributes his strength as another reason for his success.

“I think one of the biggest things for me since my freshman year is that I’ve gotten stronger,” Boulton said. “I’ve battled being a little bit undersized, but I’ve put in that extra work and stayed dedicated in the off season.”

The Braves have been competitive at the top of the South Iowa Cedar League for many years and reached the top in 2021, winning the Class 1A State Championship.

It was an experience Boulton will never forget. He was in junior high at the time.

“I was able to be a manager for the boys’ team a couple of years and I was there on the floor the year they won the state championship, taking stats,” Boulton said.

“Seeing that team and the success they had, it gave me something to look up too. To inspire and motivate me to be better.”

Since 2012, the Braves have won 15 games each season, with multiple conference championships sprinkled in.

The torch has passed to Boulton to bring the next wave of success in the Montezuma boys’ program.

“I think that’s kind of what its all about, especially in a small town, being able to pass that torch to the next group of guys,” Boulton said.

His efforts, along with his teammates, have certainly done that. Montezuma put up solid seasons Boulton’s freshman and sophomore years, going 17-7 and 15-8.

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How does a small school continue to sustain success for more than a few years at a time?

“I think its just about reloading. We’re going to lose guys, but knowing the guys under them have put the hard work in,” Boulton said.

Boulton has racked up the statistics since his freshman year, but he’s also grown as a leader.

“His freshman year he fit in with a talented group of leaders, and we had a solid season, competing for a district title,” Dengler said. “Last season, he took a step forward as the leader of our team and has continued to grow in that role this year.”

Let’s not forget the sustained success the girls’ program has brought, with multiple state tournament appearances in recent years, including last season.

Montezuma has become one of the most consistent basketball programs in all of Class 1A, and the community has provided great support to their efforts.

“The community supports night in and night out,” Boulton said. “The support creates a fun environment to play in.”

As a leader, Boulton has been able to create many great relationships across several sports.

That bond was seen this fall as the Braves made it to the State quarterfinals in football. Boulton led the charge at quarterback.

“Starting together in August, you create a special bond with them,” Boulton said of football season. “I have great teammates I’ve built relationships with.”

At a small school, those bonds can carry over to each sports season. That’s certainly been the case for the Braves.

In fact, Boulton may be using his speed on the court in a new fashion this spring by going out for track and trying to get a relay to qualify for state. Boulton also golfs in the spring.

It’s easy to say that basketball is still Boulton’s best and favorite sport; he will pursue at the next level.

The Braves are 6-1 in the early part of the basketball season.

Boulton is averaging a staggering 28.1 points per game through seven games. That’s good enough for fourth in the state in points, as of Dec. 21.

Boulton scored 37 in a win over Sigourney Dec. 20.

Boulton has 29 steals and only 18 turnovers.

“We’ve had a really good start to the season with a good road win at Lynnville-Sully,” Boulton said. “We have some newer guys that are playing this year and looking to step up.”

The Braves have momentum going into the holiday break, carrying a six-game winning streak into the new year.

The Braves were eliminated in the second round of the postseason last season, and hope to make more noise this season.

It’s already been one heck of a career for Boulton, and with almost two full seasons to go, his legacy will only continue to grow.