By Angie Brushwood (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Ash Grove Pirates team is loaded with five experienced, driven senior starters who are eager to make their mark. The Pirates finished 11-15 last season, falling to Springfield Catholic 70-46 in district quarterfinals.
Entering his third year as the Pirates’ head coach, Josh Reece is excited to watch the seniors step into leadership.
“This summer, this group of seniors has bought into the program and each other,” said Reece. “The biggest strength of this team is the urgency to succeed. These seniors know this is their last chance, and they want to prove they can be a special team. This team has the ability to score with any team we play on our schedule.”
Braden Trammell (5’11”) earned All District, 2nd-team All Mid-Lakes Conference, and Crane All Tournament. Trammell boasts an average 16.2 ppg and 2.6 apg. As captain, Trammell is prepared to lead.
“Braden is a player that can score from anywhere on the court,” said Reece. “He has been a vital part of this program and a leader for this team the last three years. We look for him to continue his leadership role while getting others involved in the offense.”
Matt Keller (sr., 5’8”) earned a spot on the Walnut Grove All-Tournament team, averaging 12.9 ppg. Keller has gained some size to go with his skills as point guard.
“Matt has grown a couple inches and put on some weight, which will allow him to be better on both ends of the floor,” said Reece. “We will look for him to get others involved while providing an offensive spark.”
Tate Moreland (6’2”), Turner Davis (5’11”), and Spencer Eagleburger (5’11”) complete the senior squad.
“Tate is a slashing guard that can shoot from anywhere on the court,” said Reece. “We will look for him to play spot minutes in the post while utilizing his offensive firepower from the perimeter. Turner is an athletic wing that provides us with defensive intensity guarding the opposition’s best. Spencer brings a great all around skill set to the team.”
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The Pirates only graduated one player, so they can continue the growth that began last season.
“Last year was a year of growth for us,” said Reece. “There were multiple games where our inexperience showed through and ultimately cost us. As the season progressed, we started to play better as a team and lean on each other. I feel that the hard work and dedication to each other will allow us to have more success and ultimately surprise some people.”
A solid group of players will advance the Pirates’ game this season.
Senior Kenneth Steeley (6’3”) has improved his skills to match his size.
“Kenneth is a big athletic body that will man the paint for us this year,” said Reece. “He has taken significant strides over the summer by impacting the game on both ends of the floor. We need him to dominate the glass while getting our shooters open.”
Senior Noah Branham (6’1”) and juniors Deaven Phipps (6’3”), Devin Blake (5’10”), and Briley King (5’9”) give depth to the bench.
“Noah is a long athletic wing player, and we will rely on him for his slashing ability and defensive presence,” said Reece. “Deaven is another big that we will look to when we need an inside presence. Blake is able to hit an open jumper when we need it. Briley is quick enough to guard any opposing guard and will play in a reserve role.”
The Pirates will host Fordland on November 21. Reece looks forward to watching the team come together.
“We have to take the next step defensively and buy into the defensive schemes while leaning on each other to limit our opponents,” said Reece. “If we can do that, we have a chance to succeed.”
