By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Few communities are more football-crazed than Camdenton, but it’s the school’s basketball program that made waves during the offseason by hiring former Crane coach Craig Campbell.
In two seasons at Crane, Campbell put together back-to-back 20-win seasons, including a Class 2 runner-up finish last year.
Now, Campbell is looking to revamp a basketball program that hasn’t won a single game in the district tournament since 2014.
“It’s very exciting, challenging, and a great opportunity,” said Campbell. “As a coach in southwest Missouri, if you get the opportunity to coach in the COC or OC it’s something you hope to achieve and it will test my prowess as a coach and as a student of the game.
“We are trying to build a strong foundation this year for years to come while also building a positive culture that allows everyone inside the program to strive for their potential and reach their goals both academically and athletically.”
Campbell’s first team at Camdenton will be in an interesting position.
The Lakers do return four players with starting experience, but must replace roughly 70 percent of the scoring from last year’s team in All-OC selections Dyllan Decker and Hunter Glynn.
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Seniors Connor Graves and Garrett Golliher both bring back experience after starting games last season.
Junior Kelton Virtue, Camdenton’s returning rebounding leader, and sophomore Brandon Pasley, Camdenton’s returning assists leader, could be on the verge of breakout seasons in Campbell’s player-friendly offense.
Junior Luke Eveland and sophomore Paxton DeLaurent are also expected to receive significant playing time.
“When you lose that much production from graduating players it’s both good and bad,” said Campbell. “We’ll obviously miss what those guys brought, but it allows other guys to step up and take over different roles; it creates more opportunity.”
The Ozark Conference will have a new feel with Kickapoo and West Plains, in addition to Camdenton, also welcoming new coaches. This is also the final year of the current configuration before Joplin’s departure and Springfield Central’s addition.
Campbell isn’t afraid to admit that reaching the top of the league will be a process, but he and the Lakers are excited to lay the foundation.
“For us to compete in the Ozark conference we will have to play to control the tempo in games,” said Campbell. “I expect to be able to play several kids which will allow us to get after teams defensively but also control the ball offensively.
“I have a group of guys that have been working hard, improving every day, and I think we will surprise a lot of people.”
Camdenton will open the 2017-18 season in the Marshall Tournament on Nov. 27.
