By Amanda Perkins
Each year, the Bradleyville Eagles set a goal of winning twenty games. They fell just short last season, losing to School of the Ozarks in district play and ending with an 18-9 record. Highlights from the year included winning their hosted tournament, playing rival Forsyth in a nail-biter, and making a statement in the Seymour Tournament. With the Class 1 school seeded 6th and up against Class 2 and Class 3 schools, they advanced to the tourney finals to face Mountain Grove. “It was a pretty solid year,” said head coach Josh Hume, “with a couple of close ones that could have gone either way.”
Bradleyville lost five key seniors, and among them, Cole Thomas leaves the biggest hole to fill. “He is one of those kids you really remember when you think of Bradleyville basketball,” said Hume. He led the Eagles in scoring with 20.9 points, 4.8 assists and 3.7 steals per game. His final career tallies include 1,905 points, 416 assists and 355 steals. “Cole did a lot for us offensively as well as defensively,” said Hume. “He was our catalyst and a special player, and anytime you lose a point guard you have adjustments.” Thomas was named to the all-conference and all-district teams.
Keylan Beeler and Ronnie Maggard were able to stretch the defense for the Eagles and were good perimeter players last season. Hayden Crouch and Tyler Boyd both protected the paint, added athleticism and were solid role players with experience. “It is tough to replace them,” said Hume. “We are in a position to get some of these spots filled and to see where some of the pieces fit.”
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Filling those spots are several returning players. Alex Lehmann, a 6’7” senior post player, was all-conference and all-district last year, and has worked to develop his game in the offseason. “He can stretch a defense, hit the mid-range jumper, finish above the rim, and is really athletic for his size,” said Hume. He averaged more than 10 points and 7 rebounds per game last season.
Senior CJ Horsey will be looking for his breakout year after a season of averaging 3.5 rebounds and 6.4 points per game. “He’s one of the most athletic kids you’ll find under six foot,” said Hume. “He can play well above the rim, is fast defensively, and can score in transition in the open floor with the best of them.”
Sophomore Brady Rogers should contribute offensively this year, and per his coach, the guard is a student of the game. “He can shoot from the perimeter as well as anyone I’ve ever coached and can play above the rim,” said Hume. “He will help defensively on the perimeter, getting deflections and helping on boards.”
Riley Combs can play the inside in the post well. “He’s kind of a banger,” said Hume of the 6’1” junior. He’s recovering from a knee injury, but should help stretch the post defense out and open up the paint, with his mid-range jumper adding to his power.
Trey Boyd, brother of graduate Tyler Boyd, is the team leader. The senior has worked hard in the weight room in the offseason, and has added strength and athleticism to his game. “He’s a hustler,” said Hume. “He has positive energy, the best attitude, and can d up, rebound, and do it all.”
Caiden Cash, a 6’3” senior swingman, will also be looking to make his mark.
Hume said his team will have the most size on the perimeter Bradleyville has possessed defensively, which should create havoc for any team’s offense. “We like high tempo,” he said of Bradleyville’s offense. “We want to get up and down the floor, and our kids excel in transition. I look forward to us taking advantage of that.”
Bradleyville will use the defense to create a lot of offense, utilizing their size. “Our kids are focused on spreading the floor to create and showcase talent, which is a fun style of basketball to play and to watch.”
The Eagles will focus on team unity, and the players will be forced to rely on one another more than in previous years, having to trust one another on both sides of the ball. Hume said he looks forward to seeing many who didn’t contribute as much last year to excel this year. “I’m happy for them,” he said, “because I know they will take advantage of opportunities and could surprise some people.”
Bradleyville travels to Seymour, Hume’s alma mater, for their season opener on November 18.
