Kelly Hawks Hungry for More: Reloading for another run

Despite the loss of eight seniors, the Kelly boys’ basketball team is not shying away from setting ambitious goals for the upcoming season.

With some returning building blocks and up-and-comers, the Hawks are eager to maintain their championship DNA while defending titles.

“Last year we were Oran Invitational Tournament champs, undefeated 7-0 Scott Mississippi Conference regular season champs and Scott Mississippi Conference Tournament Champs — we want to defend all these titles,” said second-year Kelly coach Noel Trimmer. “We want to post another 20-win season. But all of these things will be uphill battles after graduating some very gifted seniors. Those are our goals,  most importantly, we are trying to continue a winning culture.”

The Hawks’ roster features returning stars like Ross Peters, the 2024 Scott Mississippi Player of the Year, and Skyler Still, an All-SEMO Conference-Central selection at quarterback this past fall.

Peters, who led the conference in scoring as a junior with 17.7 points per game, has an undeniable ability to light up the scoreboard with his shooting touch.

“[Peters] is an excellent team leader and a great scorer,” Trimmer said. “He can take most players off the dribble and has long-range shooting skills.”

Still can post up inside and run the perimeter, making him a formidable presence on both ends of the floor.

His improved three-point shooting adds another dimension to his offensive game, while his rebounding and finishing abilities make him a strong asset in the paint.

“[Still] can rebound against anyone and is a strong finisher,” Trimmer said. “He’s just a tremendous athlete.”

The team will also look to newcomers like Griffin Pass, a junior transfer and 6-foot-2 post player, who brings strength and aggressive play to the inside game.

Grady Hall, a 6-foot-2 guard, is another player to watch. Known for his strong penetration to the basket and excellent three-point shooting skills, Hall adds depth on the perimeter.

“[Pass] is strong inside,” Trimmer said. “[Hall] adds another dimension to our outside game.”

Trimmer believes the team has increased its speed, which will be a significant advantage over other teams in the league.

“We will be a full-court team on both sides of the ball,” he said.

The Hawks plan to employ a fast-paced transition offense and full-court pressure defense, aiming to push the ball up the floor and trap opponents in the half-court.

However, Trimmer acknowledges that to succeed with this style, the team must improve its ball-handling skills.

“In order to be a full-court transition team, you need very good ball-handling skills both in dribbling and passing,” he continued. “In practice, we will focus on improving these skills every day.”

With a strong sophomore class ready to contribute off the bench, Trimmer is optimistic about the team’s depth and potential.

“Win or lose, this Kelly team is going to be a very fun team to watch,” he concluded.

It’s not just about defending titles. The Hawks are dedicated to crafting a narrative of perseverance and passion, where every player contributes to a shared vision of success.

Kelly opens the season against Westwood Baptist at the Oran Invitational Tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The Hawks will compete in Class 3, District 1 this season.