For the Central boys’ basketball program, high expectations for the upcoming season began with a loss.
Specifically, last season’s district loss to Kickapoo. While the state runner-up team pulled away in the second half, the Bulldogs were able to scrap their way to a 32-27 halftime deficit.
That, according to head coach Armando Johnson, helped show a team with no seniors great signs of the future.
“We were a young team last year but I had higher expectations due to our talent level,” Johnson said. “We didn’t have any seniors, and that became the pivotal problem we faced
throughout the year.”
Central peaked at the right time and saw some of its best play of the season in the tournament. With no losses to graduation, expectations are once again high.
Returning for the Bulldogs are four seniors with varsity experience.
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Robert Galvan, Braden Dankert, Bryson Dankert and D.J. Hardin give Central tremendous athleticism and versatility both inside and out.
Both Dankerts possess exceptional range, according to Johnson, and Bryson once dropped 10 3-pointers in a single game during the Neosho Tournament.
Rounding out the starters is Tavi Robinson, a junior point guard who has started for the Bulldogs since his freshman season. Johnson expects Robinson’s athleticism and improved overall game will be a key factor for Central’s transition game.
Junior Garrett Harper is a varsity newcomer who could make an immediate impact for the Bulldogs. Johnson calls Harper one of the best shooters on the roster at Central, pointing to several JV games where Harper dropped 6-8 3-pointers each game.
For the Bulldogs to be successful and reach Johnson’s goal of a district title, speed and pressure will be heavily emphasized. In a district where all teams are capable of beating one another on any given day, a key matchup could present an early-season indicator for Central.
“We are looking forward to playing Willard this year,” Johnson said. “I feel that they will be a force in our district. The first contest for us against Willard will be a great measuring stick as to how our district race can go, and I’m hoping to bring home the first district championship for our school since 08/09.”
While the Bulldogs will be fast and athletic, Johnson doesn’t have a great deal of size on the roster.
“We are not very tall so being able to do the little things is going to be the most important points of emphasis for us as we approach each contest,” Johnson said. “We will
have the guys continually work on making sure that we have all of our Ps and Qs
covered on the floor and that all buy in and love what we are doing.”
Central’s X-factor this season could well be the emergence of senior leadership. Last season’s inexperienced Bulldogs were hesitant at times to step into leadership roles; however, that’s no longer the case as the team heads into the new season.
“I feel that my seniors have a sense of urgency, in that they want to ensure that they have a great senior campaign,” Johnson said. “I see it in their workouts and when they are playing in their preseason games at the Fieldhouse. My seniors also have a confidence on the floor that I didn’t see last year. They show no signs of being timid, afraid to take the big shot or even a charge.”
