By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The future looks bright for the Wheatland High School boys’ basketball team, even after coming off an 11-16 season overall and a 2-5 finish in the Polk County League.
Second-year coach Brian Pearson has the luxury of returning all five starters, while losing just one letterman.
Along with the five returning starters, Pearson returns a total of seven lettermen.
Returning for the Mules is Zac Sutt, a 5-11 senior and first-team All-District and All-PCL selection, who averaged 25.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game and made 62 3-pointers on the season.
During his junior season, Sutt surpassed the 1,000-point total for his career. Sutt can finish at the rim with either hand, hits 44 percent from behind the arc and 79 percent from the free-throw line.
Along with Sutt, the Mules return Honorable Mention All-District pick Hunter Jones, a 5-10 senior who averaged 12.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals. Bailey Jones, a 5-10 senior, contributed 3.5 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
Devin Koenig, a 6-4 junior, brings height and averaged 7.6 points and 4.9 rebounds. Tristen Shaddox, a 6-3 junior, had 5.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Mitch Bigham and Devin Shields give Wheatland depth in the backcourt.
Pearson thinks that Hunter Jones could have a breakout season and expects Bailey Jones to contribute offensively and be a top-notch defender in the Polk County League. Pearson also says that Bigham may have the opportunity to run the point for the Mules this season.
Shaddox had a breakout second-half of the season, averaging nearly a double-double (points-rebounds) per game, and Koenig is expected to be a dominate inside post player. Shields will be counted on to come off the bench and provide valuable minutes.
Other lettermen for the Mules who will provide strength and depth are Dylan Baker, 6-3 junior; Corben Kite, 5-6 junior; Cody Corlew, 6-1 senior and Dillon Taylor, 5-6 sophomore.
Newcomers who will likely see mostly junior varsity action, include freshmen: Zeke Rusk, 5-7; Dylan Fellers, 5-11; Austin Barnes, 5-5 and Corbin Evans, 5-3.
The Mules also had a couple of sophomores move into the district: Trystin Newbold, 5-7 and Davin Smith, 6-2 from Osceola.
Wheatland averaged 61.3 points, 28.6 rebounds, 11.2 assists, 10.7 steals per game and made 115 3-pointers.
The Mules open the season at Bronaugh and then head to the Humansville Tournament.
