Turnaround Stories in 2016
One of the most exciting aspects of high school basketball season is watching a program turnaround its fortunes in the span of one season. Several programs in the state of Missouri are experiencing nice bounce back seasons with winning records…
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Continue ReadingOne of the most exciting aspects of high school basketball season is watching a program turnaround its fortunes in the span of one season. Several programs in the state of Missouri are experiencing nice bounce back seasons with winning records after struggling with losing records in 2015.
Vashon: The Wolverines won 11 games last season, but “The V” is back in the statewide mainstream after the hiring of Tony Irons, the son of legendary former Vashon coach Floyd Irons. Tony Irons won a state championship at Madison Prep and went to two Class 3 Final Fours. When Mad Prep closed its doors, Vashon turned to Irons to revive its program. Joining Irons at Vashon are former Mad Prep standouts in juniors Daniel Farris, 6’7″ Levi Stockard III and senios Daimon Taylor and Jermaine Walker. Freshman Mario McKinney has also been a big addition to the program. The Wolverines are one of the top contenders in Class 4 this season.
Lee’s Summit West: The Titans have been a consistent winner in recent years, but they struggled along with a .500 record last season. This year has been quite different as Lee’s Summit West has compiled a 13-3 record heading into this weekend. West also won the championship of the William Jewell Holiday Tournament in the Nelson Division. West has one of the state’s top sophomores in 6’2″ guard Mario Goodrich. Junior transfer Elijah Childs is a 6’7″ forward who is one of the top underclassmen in the state.
MICDS: The Rams suffered through a 7-18 season last year while rebuilding with a group of freshmen and sophomores. MICDS is currently 14-7 with victories over teams such as Miller Career Academy, Duchesne and St. Mary’s. The Rams are led by 6’5″ junior swing Alec Spence, who is averaging 18 points a game. Sophomore forward Dominic Mitchell and junior guard Matt Roper are also top offensive threats while 6’1″ sophomore Austin Thompson is an emerging young point guard.
St. Joe Central: The Indians were 9-17 a year ago, but have bounced back in a nice way with a 12-6 record in 2016. The Indians have one of the state’s top junior backcourts in 5’10” Jaiden Bristol and 6’1″ Matt Austin. Bristol is averaging 15 points and six rebounds a game while Austin is averaging 17 points a game.
Saxony Lutheran: The Crusaders were 11-15 a year ago, but they are now 18-4 under the direction of first-year coach Kevin Williams. Saxony won its first 11 games of the season. They have an excellent young nucleus, led by 6’3″ junior Corie Williams, Will Rogers, Jalen Williams and Nathan Ruark.
Nevada: After winning eight games last season, Nevada is well on its way to a big season at 13-5. A big part of the turnaround has been the presence of 6’5″ sophomore forward Clay Gayman, who is one of top players in the West Central Conference. He has been putting up big numbers throughout the season.
South Pemiscot: The Bulldogs were under .500 in the 2015 season, but they have been rolling this year with an 17-4 record as one of the top teams in Southeast Missouri. One of the big reasons for the turnaround is the presence of 6’4″ freshman forward Dominique Hardimon, who is averaging a team high 15 points and eight rebounds a game. He has been a true impact player. Junior Steve Willbourn has also enjoyed an excellent season at 11 points and seven rebounds a game.