2016-17 Standard Democrat Boys Basketball Previews

Charleston Bluejays
Head coach: Danny Farmer, 19th season
2015-16 record: 20-10
Conference: SEMO
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost a Class 3 sectional to Caruthersville
Returning starters: Mardareyon Clark, Demarcus Sharp, Jeremy Tucker
Starters lost: Dontarius Sharp, Kelvondre Moore, Tenerrious Ewing
Incoming players: Jaquavis Rodgers, Latrell Porter, Delontre Fisher
Notes: When you get your first look at the Charleston Bluejays this season, one thing that will be undeniably noticeable is their size. Though smaller lineups have done them well the past few seasons with six district titles in as many years, Charleston will roll out a squad that provide matchup problems for most. Mardareyon Clark (6-4, Jr.) and Jeremy Tucker (6-3, Jr.) return as starters along with backcourt staple Demarcus Sharp (6-2, Jr.). Joining them will be Delontre Fisher (6-5, So.), Latrell Porter (6-1, So.) and Jaquavis Rodgers (5-8, Sr.). "One of the major differences this year is that we're going to be taller," Charleston head coach Danny Farmer said. "I'm going to run out 6-5, 6-4 and that will definitely help us rebounding the ball. We won't be able to shoot it as well as we did last year, but we're going to be able to stay in games with our size." Towering over most of their opposition each night, Charleston's newfound size won't slow down the always up-tempo Bluejays. "They are big men that can move," said Farmer. "I think we'll be better than we were last year." They'll have to find a way to replace the scoring of Dontarius Sharp, who led the Bluejays with 14 points, six assists, four rebounds four steals last season. Also gone are guards Kelvondre Moore and Tenerrious Ewing, who ate up tons of varsity minutes. Charleston moves back into Class 3, District 1 after spending the past two seasons in District 2. They rejoin the likes of Caruthersville, the team that ousted them from last year's sectional, New Madrid County Central, East Prairie, Kelly, Kennett, Malden and Portageville.

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Dexter Bearcats
Head coach: Josh Dowdy, 3rd season
2015-16 record: 15-12
Conference: SEMO, SCAA
Alignment: Class 4, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 4, District 1 semifinals
Returning starters: Jason Jarrell, Ryan Mayo, Gabe Jackson
Starters lost: Ethan Flowers, Jacob Pedigo, Tyler Heil
Incoming players: Clay Mullins, Kole Kelley, Alan Pippins, Ben Sindle, Chad Smith, Dawson Kasting
Notes: For the first time since the 2009-10 season, Dexter won 15 games and the Bearcats won four games in the SEMO Conference, matching the total number of conference wins they had in the five years prior. The Bearcats look to build on that success with returners like Gabe Jackson and Jason Jarrell. The 6-foot-4 Jackson opened some eyes last year with a good sophomore season and coach Josh Dowdy sees continued improvement from the junior. "We are expecting him to continue to be a focal point of our team," Dowdy said. Jarrell, a three-year starter, returns and is expected to be a team leader while senior Ryan Mayo is also back after being the Bearcats' sixth man a year ago. "He has active hands and will provide a lot of energy for us this year," Dowdy said. Joining the squad this year is 6-foot-1 junior Clay Mullins who Dowdy said will be running the point and also has the ability to score. Junior guards Kole Kelley, Alan Pippins, Ben Sindle and Chad Smith will help with the ball handling and have the ability to score while junior Dawson Kasting will add some depth in the paint. "We have some new pieces to put together after losing some key players off our squad last year," Dowdy said. "As the season progresses, I feel that we have the ability to show some real growth once we learn how to play together. I am hoping to put those pieces in place as soon as possible." The Bearcats are focusing on defense in practice and Dowdy said he was hoping they would be further along but the team is trying to get better each day. "We are not where we want to be," Dowdy said. "The kids understand that and they are asking how to improve. I am confident this group will be able to turn the corner and realize the aching legs and long hours of practice will pay off." After Dexter's success last season, Dowdy is looking for his program to continue to improve. "We are hoping to continue to push our program forward," Dowdy said. "There are quite a few guys that have laid the groundwork for our current group. If nothing else, we want those guys to know their hard work was noticed and we have a responsibility to keep pushing and improve."

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East Prairie Eagles
Head coach: Casey Knight, 7th season
2015-16 record: 13-14
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 3, District 2 semifinals
Returning starters: Deverence Jones, Luke Marcum, Derez Tipler
Starters lost: Brett Ellis, Cade Douglas
Incoming players: Casey Gregory, Chad Houseman, Brian Shoffner, Koby Hubbert, Mason Bryars, Carson Aycock
Notes: East Prairie returns three starters off a team that finished one game shy of .500 last season and look to continue to improve this year. "This year's team has in place all the abilities to be a very successful team," said head coach Casey Knight. Sophomore Derez Tipler returns after leading the Eagles in scoring as a freshman with 17 points per game, being named first team All-Conference and All-District. "Derez has become a lot stronger since last year and will be a very solid player in the area." Knight said that Tipler isn't the only scoring option available to the Eagles, as Deverence Jones and Luke Marcum also have the ability to score along with newcomers Casey Gregory and Chad Housman. Knight said Jones and Marcum both bring "high energy, great defense and the ability to score." While he hasn't played organized basketball, Knight described Gregory as "very athletic with the ability to score the basketball and rebound." Housman, who didn't play last year, returns and will bring strength inside. Juniors Brian Shoffner, Koby Hubbert, and sophomores Mason Bryars and Carson Aycock will also see time after playing on the Eagles' 15-7 junior varsity team last year. "Our team has the athleticism to defend well and get out and run the floor. We must be disciplined and make sure our biggest strengths do not become our weaknesses," Knight said. "We have been working hard in practices and improving everyday. Right now we have some new pieces and are trying to get used to playing together and are trying to figure out who is best at what spots. If this group gels together and creates a strong brotherly bond then the season will be a good one."

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Kelly Hawks
Head coach: Ryan Garnett, 3rd season
2015-16 record: 10-13
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in first round of Class 3, District 2 Tournament
Returning starters: 2
Starters lost: 6
Incoming players: Carlos Ambrosio, Brent Burke, Logan Hodgkiss
Notes: Kelly will be forced to replace a bulk of their scoring from last season but several players return from a 10-win team. Seniors Cayden Williams (2.5 ppg), Isai Campos (6.4 ppg), Kade Proctor (2.5 ppg) and Quintin Lara (1.2 ppg) all return after seeing varsity time last year while senior Cayden Williams and juniors Brent Burke and Logan Hodgkiss will also see floor time this season for head coach Ryan Garnett's team. "Physically this is the hardest working team I've been around," Garnett said. "We need to improve on mental toughness, resilience and grit." Garnett added this year's team has the ability to shoot and handle the ball and they have a solid basketball IQ. "We are undersized across the board but look forward to the challenges."

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NMCC Eagles
Head coach: Travis Day, 11th season
2015-16 record: 9-15
Conference: SEMO
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 3, District 1 semifinals
Returning starters: Javarcus Word, Palmer Campbell
Starters lost: Chris Farr, Garrison Keene, Deon Jenkins
Incoming players: Jaurous Haynes, Johnny Walker, Thailin Marsh
Notes: While NMCC won just nine games last season, the Eagles return leading scorer Javarcus Word. The 5-foot-8 senior averaged 18 points per game and 3.2 assists per game last season and will be helped by fellow senior Palmer Campbell (5-10) who averaged 8 points per game last year. Head coach Travis Day says the Eagles will depend on their senior class this year which also includes JaMonte Sykes (5-9), Craig Beasley (5-10), Eddie Granberry (6-0), Brock Blakey (5-9), Ronnie King (6-0), Blake Williams (5-10) and Darrin Hill (5-9). Other players that could have an impact is junior Jaurous Haynes (6-3) and sophomores Johnny Walker (5-10) and Thailin Marsh (5-10). "This year will be a tough one for us," Day said. "We will need a total team effort this year to be successful."

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Oran Eagles
Head coach: Joe Shoemaker, 9th season
2015-16 record: 15-14
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 2, District 2
Playoff finish: Lost to Advance in district final
Returning starters: Max Priggel, Cole Priggel, Jacob Shoemaker, Layne Johnson
Starters lost: Garrison Mangels
Incoming players: Wyatt Kinney, Drew Reischman, Bradley Brooks, Ben Fox
Notes: The Oran boys basketball team is going to look a lot like it did last year, so the question is how much it has learned from a season of some close calls.The Eagles return four starters from a squad that went 15-14 and lost five games by 3 points or less before falling to Advance in the district championship."Hopefully what we've learned is to come to practice prepared to go hard every day and get better," Oran coach Joe Shoemaker said. "That it can be one possession that can be the difference in a game. I think we're doing a little better at that. We lost seven games by single digits last year, so hopefully that's something we can improve upon."Last year's leading scorer, Max Priggel (16.2 points per game) is back, along with Cole Priggel, Jacob Shoemaker and Layne Johnson. That group is versatile and in many ways interchangeable, but it doesn't offer a lot of height. That was something the Eagles worried about a year ago, and they've since graduated starting center Garrison Mangels. The Eagles got some bad news just a week before the season is set to begin, with projected new fifth starter Todd Priggel breaking his arm in practice. Priggel underwent surgery to insert a rod in his arm and Oran doesn't expect to have him back any time soon. That will leave roster depth a man shorter and leave the coaching staff with some decisions to make, often times based on a particular matchup. Senior Wyatt Kinney and junior Drew Reischman are two players expected to contribute in some form. Bradley Brooks and Ben Fox are also in the mix. Shoemaker said the team should have some quickness and guys that can shoot the ball -- none of the four returners is afraid to spot up from 3-point range. That profile should suit the Eagles' brand of fast-paced, end-to-end basketball well. Whether that all translates into more wins and taking another step in the postseason, especially with a move up to Class 2, is yet to be seen. -- SEMO News Service

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Portageville Bulldogs
Head coach: Jason Irby, 7th season
2015-16 record: 7-16
Conference: Bootheel
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in first round of districts
Returning starters: Ian Torrey, Chris Garmon, Luke Darst, Tony Smith
Starters lost: Tyler Daugherty
Incoming players: Hunter Gates, Daniel Carter, Alex Riddle, Bub Lance, Bryce Rone
Notes: Portageville returns a wealth of experience from a seven-win team a year ago. Junior Ian Torrey joins seniors Chris Garmon, Luke Darst and Tony Smith are back after starting a year ago. Junior Hunter Gates returns after not playing last year and coach Jason Irby says he will be a "big asset" to the team. "Our starting five is still a work in progress at this time but I think we'll have a 9 or 10 man rotation barring injuries," Irby said. Also expected to help are juniors Daniel Carter and Alex Riddle along with sophomores Bub Lance and Bryce Rone. "We're excited about the way our guys have been working so far but it's a marathon not a sprint so we've got keep our guys energy and enthusiasm up over the long haul," Irby said. According to Irby the team's top goal is to work hard as a team while also playing together as a team. "We struggled in those areas last year so if we can improve there we feel like we may experience some more success," Irby said. Portageville will face a tough schedule playing in the Bootheel Conference and also plays in the difficult Class 3 District 1. "(Our conference and district) are both loaded with talented teams so just hope to be competitive on a nightly basis," Irby said. "I do like the character of this group of guys and feel like that gives us a chance."

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SCC Braves
Head coach: Matt Cline, 2nd season
2015-16 record: 20-9
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 1, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost to Bloomfield in district final
Returning starters: Deven Blackmon, Deantrell Beard, Keyth Blissett, Garry Wilkerson
Starters lost: Jeffery Porter
Incoming players: Tony Davis, Brody Ditto, Tyus Banks, Eric Smith
Notes: They were denied their 13th straight district championship a season ago and now, without their star player, the Braves will look to a slightly deeper and more experienced roster to move forward. Scott Central, who won a Class 2 title two years ago giving them 18 state championships -- a Missouri record, will be without the 2015 Class 2 Player of the Year and three-time all-state player Jeffery Porter. Porter, who signed with Three Rivers College, led the Braves with 23.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3 steals per game last year and although his presence will be missed, Scott Central returns its other four starters. Deantrell Beard (6-1, Sr.) and Deven Blackmon (5-10, Sr.) lead a roster of 13 which includes nine seniors. Beard averaged 16 points and 7.3 rebounds while Blackmon added 11.5 points, four rebounds and two assists last season. Keyth Blissett (6-2, Jr.) and Garry Wilkerson (5-11, So.) return to their starting roles and will be joined by a mixture of Tyus Banks (6-0, Sr.), Tony Davis (6-2, Sr.), Brody Ditto (5-11, Sr.) and Eric Smith (5-11, Sr.). "We are a bit deeper than we were last year," SCC coach Matt Cline said. "We are working every day trying to get better defensively and that has made for some decent battles during practice. We have to get tougher overall as a team and that's what the boys are striving for." After spending the past two years in Class 2, the Braves are back down to Class 1 joining Clarkton, Cooter, Delta C7, Gideon, North Pemiscot, Risco and Southland in District 1.

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Sikeston Bulldogs
Head coach: Gregg Holifield, 19th season
2015-16 record: 28-3
Conference: SEMO
Alignment: Class 4, District 1
Playoff finish: Placed fourth in Class 4 state tournament
Returning starters: Fred Thatch, Kevin Jones
Starters lost: Dominique Dyes, Juwon Kimble, Marquan Nelson
Incoming players: Trey Jenkins, Don Larry, Dylon Mills, Phayzun Fobbs, Jason Moore, Payton Howard, Clark Steward
Notes: Debuting as the No. 2 team in Class 4 according to the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association state rankings released Monday, the Sikeston Bulldogs will have to replace three starters but return one of the state's marquee players for the 2016-17 season. As last year's MBCA Class 4 Player of the Year, Fred Thatch (6-3, Jr.) averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and 2.5 steals and is already Sikeston's fifth-leading scorer and fifth-leading rebounder with 1,106 points and 589 rebounds throughout his two-year career. Seen more as an under the basket player during that span, Thatch, who holds scholarship offers from Missouri and Tulsa, has consistently expanded his offensive regimen according to head coach Gregg Holifield. "He's become a much better shooter," he said. "He's just becoming a junior and I think people lose sight of that. He's just about better in every area, especially as a shooter, ball handler and, really, just about everything else." Joining Thatch will be point guard Kevin Jones (5-11, So.), who burst onto the scene last season as a freshman averaging nine points, four assists and three rebounds. Jones kept Sikeston's state championship hopes alive for a time during last year's semifinal loss to eventual champions Vashon scoring 12 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Like Thatch, Jones has done nothing but improve as well. "Jones as a freshman did a great job as well," Holifield said. "He just keeps getting better and better." The Bulldogs will insert Trey Jenkins into the starting lineup after getting varsity time late last season as a freshman. The 6-6 sophomore gives Sikeston a bit of size not usually seen. "So many times we're undersized going against teams we have to beat and that's something we'll need to have. He'll give us something we haven't had in a while," said Holifield. The Bulldogs said goodbye to Dominique Dyes who averaged 16 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds and broke the school's 3-point single season record with 96 threes. They also lost Juwon Kimble and Marquand Nelson from the starting lineup and are expected to fill those spots with Don Larry (6-0, Jr.), Jason Moore (5-9, Sr.) and an influx of inexperienced varsity players. Dylon Mills (6-4, Jr.), Phayzun Fobbs (5-10, Sr.) along with promising freshmen Payton Howard (5-10) and Clark Steward (6-3) are expected to contribute. "We are young in a lot of spots and at the varsity level we have a lot of inexperience," Holifield said. "Losing those seniors are big, but I feel like we have lots of guys that are capable of filling in and doing good things." Looking to be tested for another deep playoff run, the Bulldogs beefed up its schedule with two defending state champions. They will travel to Chaminade, last year's Class 5 champion, host Father Tolton, last year's Class 3 champion, host Whitfield, Class 3's fourth-place team and travel to Miller Career Academy. Add that to an already grueling SEMO Conference slate gives Sikeston a chance to prove their mettle. "Our schedule is as difficult as its ever been," said Holifield. "It's going to be tough day in a day out. These are quality teams that were good last year and going to be good again this year."

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Bernie Mules
Head coach: Brad Botsch
2015-16 record: 5-19
Conference: SCAA
Alignment: Class 2, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in first round of districts
Returning starters: 4
Starters lost: Alex Whitehead
Incoming players: Josh Ellenburg, Hunter Slavings
Notes: After losing 19 games last season after winning at least 20 games in six out of the seven previous seasons, coach Brad Botsch is looking for improvement this year. "These kids matured some and they are hungry to do better. I think we have a chance to be very competitive," Botsch said. "If we can make good decisions with the ball we can compete with most anybody." Added depth will allow the Mules to be more up-tempo this season and six members of the team are listed as 6 foot or taller with Riley Wells topping the list at 6-foot-7. Senior Jayce Burk, junior Dalton Hobgood and sophomore Hunter Slavings will be counted on for their outside shooting. "If our guard play is solid, we've got some size," Botsch said. "I think we are going to have a much better season." -- SEMO News Service

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Bloomfield Wildcats
Head coach: Brandon Crook, 1st season
2015-16 record: 28-5
Conference: SCAA
Alignment: Class 2, District 1
Playoff finish: Fourth place in Class 2
Returning starters: Tim Hector
Starters lost: Noah Vandiver, Nathan Newell, Tyler Battles, Austin Bond
Other returners: Alex Gibbs, Peyton Bell
Notes: Brandon Crook takes over this season after the Wildcats made the schools first trip to the final four in 50 years last year. Besides a new coach, the Wildcats must replace four starters with only senior guard Tim Hector returning to the starting the lineup. However, Alex Gibbs (6-2, sr.) and Peyton Bell (6-0, jr.) saw plenty of action off the bench last year and will play key roles this season. Seniors Jacob Hector (5-8), Kyle Anderson (6-2), Joe Clary (5-10), Austin Phillips (5-9) and Dallas Monroe (6-3) will return this year and be asked to play more integral roles. "They're doing the job," Crook said. "They've played together for several years now." The new coach doesn't expect to change much from last season saying the Wildcats will be a disciplined, fundamental, defensively-minded team that will speed things up and slow things down when the time calls for it.

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Chaffee Red Devils
Head coach: Josh Govreau, 9th season
2015-16 record: 7-17
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 2, District 2
Playoff finish: Lost in first round of Class 2, District 1 Tournament
Returning starters: Alec Bogenpohl, Gabe Henson, Landon Tenkhoff
Starters lost: Jordan Wilburn
Incoming players: Auggie Knutson, Ryan Holderfield, Damion Applewhite, Brayden Glueck, Breven Yarbro, Jaxon VanPelt
Notes: Chaffee may be young but the Red Devils are experienced, returning three starters and several others who played plenty of minutes on last year's seven-win team. "I'm excited about this group," said Chaffee head coach Josh Govreau. "We still are young as we will start three juniors and two sophomores but everyone that we return besides Breven (Yarbro) and Jaxon (VanPelt) played a lot of minutes last year on varsity so we are still somewhat experienced." Leading scorer Landon Tenkhoff returns after scoring 13 points per game as a freshman while grabbing 8.5 rebounds. Juniors Alec Bogenpohl (11.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and Gabe Henson (5.1 ppg, 2.5 apg) also return. "This is a very fun group to coach as there hasn't been any selfishness from them," Govreau said. "They play well together."

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Malden Green Wave
Head coach: Andrew Halford, 4th season
2015-16 record: 21-7
Conference: Bootheel
Alignment: Class 3, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 3, District 1 championship game
Returning starters: Bryce Nelson, Tyler Ison, Ned Lee
Starters lost: Trevor Ison, Shamaudre Barber
Incoming players: Chance Booker, DeShaun Booker
Notes: The Greenwave must replace their top two scorers and rebounders from last season in all-stater Trevor Ison and Shamaudre Barber. "We lost a lot of good kids and a lot of our leaders are gone," said coach Andrew Halford. "Trevor and Shamaudre kind of carried the load for us offensively and rebounding-wise, so we're going to have to fill some holes and learn who's going to do what for us." Bryce Nelson, Tyler Ison and Ned Lee figure to give the Green Wave some scoring while Chance Booker and DeShaun Butler return for bigger roles. "It's going to be hard to replace our seniors," Halford said. "They were a talented group of kids and did a lot for us. But we're also looking forward to these guys coming up. Sophomore through senior, we've set some high expectations for ourselves." -- SEMO News Service

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Risco Tigers
Head coach: Brandon Blankenship, 15th season
2015-16 record: 10-17
Conference: Tri-County
Alignment: Class 1, District 1
Playoff finish: Lost in Class 1, District 2 semifinals
Returning starters: Nathan Burnett, Drew Fortner, Morgan Ludwig, Tony Greene, Ethan Pipkin
Starters lost: Ethan Young
Incoming players: EJ Myers, Garrett Young, James Riddell, Treston Meese
Notes:__ After playing in six-straight district championship games from 2009-2014, winning four in-a-row (2010-2013), Risco has been in a rebuilding mode the last few years. "We feel this is the season that we are back in contention for every tournament that we play in," said head coach Brandon Blankenship. The Tigers return five players who started at times last year, led by leading scorer Nathan Burnett. The sophomore hit 87 3-pointers last year, the most in Class 1, and was an All-District selection as well as second team All-Conference while averaging 16.4 points per game. "He's developing even more athletically to go along with his skill set and has dedicated himself to being a complete player on both sides of the ball," Blankenship said. Senior Drew Fortner returns as the Tigers' inside presence at 6 feet, 4 inches, averaging 13.6 points per game last season and 7.7 rebounds. Offensively, Blankenship said Fortner has developed his footwork and can finish with either hand around the basket. "We look for Drew to have a huge year for us also," Blankenship said. Morgan Ludwig returns as well after averaging 11.7 points and 4.7 rebounds a game as a sophomore last season. "Morgan has really developed physically and has grown a few inches since last year. He will be another inside/outside force for us," Blankenship said. Tony Greene and Ethan Pipkin also return after being part-time starters last season. Greene will be looked upon to help handle the basketball and guard the opposition's top perimeter scorer while Pipkin will give the Tigers another outside shooting threat and help with rebounding. "I have a group of hard working guys with good attitudes and we're really excited to get this season underway," Blankenship said.

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Scott City Rams
Head coach: Mark Dannenmueller, 7th season
2015-16 record: 15-11
Conference: Scott-Mississippi
Alignment: Class 2, District 2
Playoff finish: Lost in first round of Class 3, District 2 Tournament
Returning starters: Dylan Keller, Braden Cox
Starters lost: Isiah Berry, Trent Pobst, Jordan Kluesner
Notes: The Rams return two starters from a 15-11 team a year ago in seniors Dylan Keller and Braden Cox but head coach Mark Dannenmueller said he is expecting everyone to contribute this season. Injuries have their starting lineup in question but Dannenmueller is just trying to get the Rams ready for a post-season push, that includes a move from Class 3 to Class 2. "I really like the group that we have," Dannenmueller said. "We have a tough-minded team that will compete every night. We are looking forward to improving each and every game so that we are playing our best at the end of the season."

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