Thayer is coming off of a 26-win season and a district championship that ended with a three-point loss to Hartville in the sectional round.
Expectations have not been lowered at all for a program that has won at least 18 games in seven consecutive seasons.
“The work ethic and the desire to win is really what drives this program,” head coach Matt Pitts said. “Our coaches in all sports do a great job with these guys and the continuity in the programs is a huge advantage.”
First-team all-conference selection Zyman Langley graduated and takes with him 12.4 points per game and 3.9 assists per game, but five of the six leading scorers from last year’s 26-win team do return.
Senior Kobe Meyer is at the head of that group coming off of a season that saw him average a team-high 12.9 points per game along with 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals. Those efforts earned him second-team all-conference honors last season.
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“Kobe is a great player and even a better kid,” Pitts said. “He can score in a variety of ways and is a great defender with good instincts. Kobe will have a great year.”
Ayden Stone is the other returning all-conference player after averaging 11.1 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game as a sophomore.
“Ayden has really worked hard this summer and has improved his perimeter game,” Pitts said. “He will be a threat on the perimeter and is also comfortable putting the ball on the floor. I’m excited to see what he gets done this season.”
Jalen Andrews and Dagen Jones return for their senior seasons after averaging 10.6 and 8.7 points per game as juniors, respectively. Andrews also chipped in 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Jones was second on the team at 3.3 assists per game.
Depth will be a strength for the Bobcats this year as Seniors Trevor Jenkins and Jordan Miller along with juniors Braden Hufstedler, Dylan Spencer and Dillon Poulette all will push for varsity minutes.
SCA and district titles remain the goal for an experienced Bobcat team.
“I really like the way these guys go about their business and the way they approach the daily grind of the long season,” Pitts said. “If things come together and everyone accepts their role I think we can compete for the SCA championship and possibly another district title.”
