4A State Champ Contender Series: Independence

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>PICTURED: [player_tooltip player_id='1318557' first='Tylan' last='Lewis'].</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Independence is composed differently than a year ago, losing a workhorse of big and a guard staple. The scorers are mostly back and even improved. Defensively, they will take a dip in the paint and improve outside. Thirty wins is possible again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Wins in 22-23 (33-5</strong>): Memphis East, Brentwood x2, Franklin, Ravenwood x3, Blackman, Green Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Missteps</strong>: Franklin x2, Goodpasture, Webb-Bell Buckle, Memphis Overton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Departing:&nbsp;</strong>Matthew Witt meant a lot to the 2022-2023 team and the program overall. A winner, a worker, a warrior. The team will miss Witt under the basket and in the locker room. Similarly, the Eagles graduated gritty competitor Josh Owens. The feisty, quick guard committed wholly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Returning Starters (3)</strong>: It starts with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1195250' first='Jett' last='Montgomery']</strong> (1850 career points). Back and better is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1318557' first='Tylan' last='Lewis']</strong>. Lewis will draw many fouls as w slasher and potential offensive rebounder. Plus, he can handle the ball to get Jett moving and escaping pressure somewhat. While Montgomery is an elite scorer with the ball at his side he can find alternative possibilities as a catch-and-shoot operator. Most important to this team's success Tylan can and will defend the opposition's best scorer. The junior stops 'em with his powerful chest/arms and quick, sliding feet. He is also explosive enough to challenge mid-range shots after peddling backwards. <strong>Brayden Buck</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reserves Playing a Bigger Role</strong>: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1476191' first='Houston' last='Hicks']</strong>. Hicks played 25 total minutes in the 2023 State Tournament (8.3 mpg) and averaged 0.0 ppg with 2.0 rpg during that March weekend. IHS needs much more from Hicks this year, and judging by his June they will get it. Hicks played with more confidence and physical toughness. The willingness to fight for rebounds and batter into bodies is new. The 6th man <strong>Korben Walling</strong> could start now. Good rebounder. His 17.6 mpg during the TSSAA State Tournament coming off of the bench conveys the trust Head Coach Mark Wilkins maintains in him. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2393183' first='Jacob' last='Duryea']</strong> and <strong>Dawsyn Miller</strong> did not figure into the rotation at all and yet they earned their way in as juniors. Dawsyn is another guard with snappy passes. He won't look to the rim much. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>. Wilkins' Eagles will score with the best of them. What could keep them from returning to State? Injuries, turnovers, foul accumulation, the normal stuff. Opponents can not key on Jett alone. This is a balanced team with moderate strength and established, rehearsed offensive sets. Bigger years from [player_tooltip player_id='1476191' first='Houston' last='Hicks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1318557' first='Tylan' last='Lewis'] are expected. With that similar regular season and postseason success will follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->