Being outsized every game didn’t stop the Purdy Eagles from rewriting history last season.
The Eagles, who accomplished their first 20-win season since 2008-09, claimed then Class 2, District 12 title before upsetting Marionville in sectionals, advancing to the program’s first state quarterfinal in 25 years.
Unfortunately, the Cinderella season came to an end after a loss to eventual state champ Hartville at the O’Reilly Family Event Center.
Now, coach Tommy Egan and Purdy will look to retool after the graduation’s of four key starters and five lettermen. Those seniors include all-conference players Jonatan Salazar (first team), Luis Cruz (second team), Sydney Birge (honorable mention) as well as Raul Garcia and Isaac Brattin.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
“Those five individuals competed so hard day in and day out while being an absolute pleasure to be around,” Egan said. “They raised an already high bar with how we expect a Purdy Eagle basketball player to compete on the floor and conduct themselves off of it.
“They’re contributions will be missed.”
The Eagles will return only one starter from last season’s historic run along with four lettermen. Purdy’s leading scorer last year Tyler Keeler will spearhead the team’s attack. Keeler, a 5-foot-9 junior who was first team all-conference, averaged nearly 14 points per game with 3.9 boards, 2.1 assists, and 2.7 steals.
“Tyler has started for us since his freshman year,” Egan said of Keeler. “He is a very smart basketball player that contributes a lot on both ends of the floor. He led us in scoring last year, and we expect him to take his game to an even higher level this season. He is a gym rat that continues to improve as an all-around player.”
Returning alongside Keeler is Hunter Cook, who has experienced the ropes of varsity action since his freshman season. Cook, a 5-foot-10 junior, scored 4.9 points per game as a sophomore with almost two boards and assists a game last year.
“Hunter really came on strong for us at the end of last season,” Egan said. “He was playing as well as anyone the last three games of the year. We are looking for him to really step up as a leader and be a big contributor on both ends of the floor for us this season.”
Seniors Justin LaNore and James Hughlet are the last returning lettermen from last season. LaNore, standing at 6-foot-3, averaged three points per game with three rebounds as a junior but will add a much-needed element for the Eagles.
“Justin gives up a dimension we haven’t had in about four years with his size,” Egan said. “He has the ability to be a very good rebounder and low post scorer. He has the potential to have a big season if he develops his game both physically and mentally.”
Hughlet, standing at 5-foot-10, played varsity sparingly last season, posting 1.8 points per game as a junior. Egan likes his upside.
“He is very athletic and plays hard on both ends of the floor on every trip,” Egan said. “He has shown signs in the offseason of being someone that can make big plays for this team this season.”
Purdy will welcome newcomers Logan Easley (senior), Matt Wilson (senior), and Joby Young (junior) to varsity this season.
Easley will provide toughness, and his coach describes him as a “good rebounder and as good defender as we have on our team.” Egan said Wilson “is as athletic as any kid I’ve had at Purdy and is a quick, tough, and capable scorer.” Meanwhile, Young is said to be “another hard-nosed competitor that gained varsity experience in the offseason and will provide some minutes off the bench at guard.”
After losing five seniors that helped implement an up-tempo style of play, Egan will make minor tweaks after graduating a lot of quickness and experience. However, nothing will change in terms of offensive and defensive philosophy in his seventh year at the helm.
“We want to play within our roles, share the ball, and have a smart shot selection,” he added. “Defensively, we want to play hard and never give up on a play on every single possession whether in the half court or the full court.
“We realize we face some challenges, but I think we have the work ethic and desire to have a successful season.”
Purdy begins with a Spokane Jamboree, scheduled Nov. 18. The Eagles will start up regular season play at Greenwood on Nov. 22. Their home opener is slated for Dec. 6 against College Heights.
