By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Cassville Wildcats basketball program put together perhaps its best season in recent memory last winter, posting their most successful season since 2011-12 with a 13-13 overall record during the 2016-17 campaign.
Although they were eliminated in the first round of district play by McDonald County, Cassville continued a steady progression under second-year head coach Barrett Milleson, who first inherited a 4-21 team back in 2014-15.
While the Wildcats lost only one starter and one other letterman to graduation, they will have to replace a two-time All-Conference player in Collin Pearman, who averaged a double-double in his junior and senior seasons.
“Collin was our glue guy last year,” Milleson said. “He was able to control a lot of the offensive action for us, and we have spent the offseason trying to fill the role that he had.”
Cassville also looks to rely on their four returning starters and six lettermen in all to help rebuild a solid camaraderie left by Troy Rose.
“Troy was a ‘3 and D’ kid for us with great locker room rapport,” Milleson said. “Last year we had good senior leadership. He was a major part of that for us.”
Leading this year’s group, guard Ethan Hoppes (5-foot-9), who enters his junior year after averaging 15 points a game across three rebounds, assists, and two steals as a sophomore last year.
“Ethan has been a varsity player since his freshman year and continues to be a go-to guy for us,” his coach said. “After a disappointing end to our season last year, he has worked his tail off in the gym this offseason. We expect him to have his best year yet.”
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Coming off a season-ending football injury in August, Milleson expects senior Trey Dalton to be back on the hardwood by January. Dalton, who is described by his coach as an incredible offensive player and savvy defender, averaged nine points per game last season while grabbing six rebounds a game.
Rounding out the senior class includes Skyler Wolf (6-foot-7) and Austin Wilson (5-foot-9). Both seniors chipped in three points per game last year.
“It is hard to believe, but Skyler has only played basketball since his freshman year,” Milleson said. “The growth over these four years has blown us away. He should be ready to make a huge impact for us against other team’s post players.
“Austin has embraced his role both on and off the floor and has improved in all areas of his game.”
Other returnees are juniors Derek Christy (6-foot-0) and Luke Lowery (6-foot-5).
Milleson called Christy one of the best shooters on the team, challenging him to open up his game and expand his role offensively. Lowery played big minutes as the backup post player last year, possessing a different game than the rest of the post that gives the squad a different look on offense.
Top newcomers are sophomores Jarrod Wallace (6-foot-2) and DJ White (5-foot-10).
“Jarrod saw time at the end of the season playing varsity as a forward,” Milleson said. “He has great footwork and timing on defense. He has big shoes to fill with Collin leaving, but Jarrod was a great understudy last year.
“DJ has the ability to be a big-time player for us. He moves effortlessly on the floor and is incredibly coachable. DJ will help these upperclassmen with his athleticism and length on both ends of the floor.”
Milleson said his expectations are to continue to build upon what his team accomplished last year and get better with each contest this season.
“Our program had a great summer together,” Milleson said. “We went to camps and played against quality programs. We will need to get healthy and stay that way to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.
“The Big 8 Conference plays hard, physical basketball each night. I believe all the teams should be improved. We are excited as a staff to return so many talented players in our program.”
Cassville hosts Berryville, Arkansas on November 21 to the start the season.
