ALTON - Ryan Howard Jr. is expected to be a key piece for Alton High’s boys basketball program as JaQuail Townser takes over the Redbirds following Dylan Dudley’s departure after a 21-12 season in 2025-26.
Howard is an Eardley Agency LLC Male Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. He was a key player for the Redbirds last season as one of the leading scorers and had a strong summer of development.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
Dudley was announced as the new Illinois College head men's basketball coach on July 9, 2026. Alton High Athletic Director Tyler Hamilton announced Townser as Dudley’s replacement Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. Townser, a 2012 Alton High School graduate and a four-year player and graduate of Jacksonville State University, is expected to bring high expectations and continued coaching talent to the program.
Howard Jr. was on display as the Redbirds recently competed in the Edwardsville Showcase, and he is showing signs of big things ahead this year with his dedicated summer approach.
Howard, a 6-foot-4 player, was a major part of Alton’s successful season under Coach Dudley and is expected to be among the players Townser will look to develop in the 2026-27 season. Townser is expected to emphasize maximum effort, selflessness and consistency.
Dudley described Howard as “super talented.”
“His family has a long history in the Alton High boys basketball program,” Dudley said. “He has been raised by two good parents and also helped by his uncle, also a very talented Alton player. He has the God-given ability to score.”
Dudley said Howard’s continued development defensively will be important for the Redbirds.
“The mindset has to be to focus on both ends of the court,” Dudley said, who expects Howard to become even better on that side of the floor next year after a strong summer.
Townser and Howard are expected to be a significant combination for Alton on the floor in the 2026-27 season as the Redbirds move into a new chapter under Townser.
