By Angie Brushwood (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
This time last year, the Ash Grove Pirates were reeling after a sudden coaching change. Josh Reece stepped in as head coach and led the Pirates to a 10-16 season. Reece is eager now to start this season on solid footing.
“This year’s team is going to rely on a team-first concept that will allow everyone to succeed,” said Reece. “We stress the fact that no one person is more important than the other. I am excited about the friendships and family attitude that this group of individuals has for each other. I am quite confident that we are going to surprise some people and continue to progress as the year advances.”
The Pirates lost to Strafford in the Class 3 District 11 semifinals, 80-49.
Four-year starter Ben Weinreis and 2016 graduate finished his Pirates career with 2,031 points, the third highest in Pirates history. With a 22 points per game average, Weinreis earned First Team All-Mid-Lakes Conference.
“Ben provided offensive firepower and a defensive presence in the middle of the paint,” said Reece. “We will have to account for both of those if we are going to be successful.”
The Pirates will also be filling gaps left by graduates Jackson Bagley and point guard Kalen Holt.
One returning senior and three juniors will step into leadership roles for the Pirates. Junior Braden Trammell (5’11”) averaged 10.5 ppg last season and will be asked to filling a scoring void.
“Braden’s experience and willingness to succeed will be a pivotal key to this team’s success,” said Reece.
Juniors Spencer Eagleburger (5’10”) and Turner Davis (5’11”), along with senior Max Cashio (6’1”) also return for the Pirates.
“Spencer will be asked to find more consistency on the offensive side of the floor while continuing to provide defensive intensity,” said Reece. “Turner played significant minutes for us down the stretch last year. He is a long athletic kid who will be able to provide a defensive spark while finishing buckets in transition. Max will be our inside presence. We will rely on Max to give us interior toughness and rebounding.”
Freshman Garrett Simmerman at 6’6” will provide some much-needed size for the Pirates.
“Garrett is a big kid that has a variety of moves that will allow him to compete at the varsity level,” said Reece. “We will lean on him to be an inside presence.”
Several juniors will step up to varsity play for the Pirates: Noah Branham (5’11”), Matt Keller (5’8”), Tate Moreland (5’11”), and Chase White (5’10”).
Reece expects the Pirates to stand out in a tough conference.
“We are a group of individuals that must rely on each other and trust that each person will hold their end of the bargain,” said Reece. “I am excited to see how the conference plays out. We have a great conference and those games are always intense. Our goal is to be competitive in the conference games and finish above where we were last year in the final standings. I am looking forward to the year and providing these boys with the tools to be successful.”
The Pirates’ season opener will be at Crane on Nov. 22
