SIKESTON -- No one will be able to replace what the Scott County Central Braves lost in their 6-9 superstar, Otto Porter.
One of the most skilled players to ever come from the tiny Class 1 school, or the state of Missouri for that matter, is now a Georgetown Hoya leaving the three-time defending state champions without the player that seemingly did everything.
However, if there is one school that could survive the next season and still be a legitimate title contender after a basketball giant has left their halls, it's Scott Central.
The Braves will retain five players from last season's 29-2 team, highlighted by the experienced Dominique Porter and LaMarcus Steward.
Along with the 30 points and 14 rebounds per game Porter left behind, the Braves will have to replace three other starters such as Stewart Johnson, Trey Johnson and Calvin Porter as well as one of their biggest sparks off the bench, Reggie Woodson.
Stewart Johnson averaged 13.7 points and one steal a game. He was also Scott Central's floor general averaging seven assists per game.
Although he came off the bench, Woodson averaged 8.8 points for Scott Central to go along with four rebounds a game.
Porter, a physical, 5-10 guard, helped out with 10.9 points per game, which was good enough to be the Braves' third-highest scorer. The scrappy Porter also pulled down four rebounds a game and shot 59 percent from the field and will be looked upon as Scott Central's go-to guy.
Steward is a lightning quick, 5-8 guard that can race by defenders to reach the basket. In fact, thats what the Braves will mostly be about this season -- speed.
LaRandis Banks will be thrown into the mix of speedy players for the Braves as he led their junior varsity team last season in points scored.
Their options under the rim will include Kendall Blissett, T.J. Coleman, Dustin Johnson and Kamryn Johnson.