Team Preview: Minco (2A)

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Minco Bulldogs return one of the most talented lineups in 2A and arguably the best player, too.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Bulldogs bring back three starters, all three averaging double digits in the scoring department. These three return from a team that finished last season 23-4 and ranked #6 in the state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="1015786" first="Cooper" last="Shirley"], a 6’3 senior, can do it all from the Bulldogs, as he’s been making a significant impact since his freshman year. Shirley was one of the top shooters in the state last year as his size and length allows him to shoot over defenders and create space easily. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Last season, he poured in 22.3 points per game as Minco made it back to the state tournament for the 5th time. Shirley was named conference MVP last year and looks to build on that by bringing the Bulldogs success in the state tournament.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Minco also returns another key piece in Nick Birchfield, as the 5’10 junior was also named to the conference first team with Shirley. Burchfield is a great second option for Shirley this year as he averaged 10.1 points per game. He is a quick, shifty guard who is a reliable scorer, especially when Shirley is having an off night. Birchfield is instant offense and brings great energy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Bulldogs return junior Austin Brothers as well, who brings back 9.7 points per game and is a solid rebounder too. His length is used to guard taller wings and he really helps Minco on the boards.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Returning nearly 40 points per game from a starting lineup that was incredibly successful last year is a relief for Coach Hill, who is coming off of leading the Bulldogs to their 5th state tournament appearance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Minco can somewhat live and die by the three ball, as star [player_tooltip player_id="1015786" first="Cooper" last="Shirley"] takes threes at a high volume from anywhere on the court. If the threes are falling, the Bulldogs are hard to beat. They move the ball well and have shooters all over the court.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Returning Shirley is massive for this squad and they have key pieces aside from him too. If they can replace the two seniors they graduated from the starting lineup with positive production, they’ll be squarely in the mix and right back in the state tournament.</span></p>