By Angie Brushwood (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Walnut Grove Tigers have a fire in their belly. They were on the road to the program’s first ever state championship last season but were stopped short by Stanberry in the state finals, 69-49.
This season, the Tigers walk in with an experienced, eager varsity squad made up of primarily upperclassmen. Upperclassmen with a singular purpose: the Class 1 state title.
“With the players we have returning, we feel that we have a chance to compete for the conference, as well as the district championship,” said head coach Darin Meinders. “Last year, we just fell short of a state title, and we are hungry and focused on getting back. Our goal is the same every year, and that is to be playing late in March.”
Only one varsity player graduated, but he was no ordinary player. Two-time all-state player and Class 1 Player of the Year Dallas Meinders now plays guard for Grand View (Iowa) University.
“We are very excited about the upcoming season,” said Darin Meinders. “Our athletes have been working hard in the weight room as well as putting time in the gym. We will have a lot of depth and kids who love the game.”
Seniors Jaron Dishman, Kyle Keith, and Hayden Jeffryes step up to lead the Tigers. A three-year starter, Dishman (6’3”) will play a key leadership role.
“Jaron’s leadership and experience will play a key role in the success of our season,” said Darin Meinders. “Whether it’s knocking down 3s or being a force in the paint, we expect him to utilize his experience and lead the team.”
Junior Logan Thomazin (6’2”) hit 139 3-pointers last season and averaged 24 points per game. He earned all-state honors.
“Logan is a phenomenal athlete,” said Darin Meinders. “He can shoot the ball lights-out from behind the arch. We can’t wait to see what he does this year as an upperclassman.”
Juniors Hunter Gilkey, Cory Countryman (6’1”), and Cole Melton (6’4”) return for the Tigers with a state championship in their eyes.
Gilkey (6’1”) earned second team All-Polk County League honors at point guard.
“Hunter is one of the hardest working, intense players I have ever coached,” said Darin Meinders. “He sets the tempo on defense and will be the key to getting us into transition. He hit the weight room hard this summer and made great gains.”
Sophomores Ryan Keith and Dawson Meinders round out the varsity squad.
Coach Meinders will continue to implement the strategies that led the Tigers to a 30-3 record last year and their third consecutive district title. Meinders’ history at Walnut Grove is already established: he led the Lady Tigers to their first state title in 2007.
“Offensively, we will continue to push the ball up the floor and look to attack from every position,” said Darin Meinders. “We have athletes that can shoot, and they will have the green light. We expect our kids to outwork and play harder than our opponents. We talk about how you want to be remembered–be phenomenal or be forgotten. We refuse to be forgotten.”
Walnut Grove will host Verona on November 22 to start the season.
