By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Chandler Saultz isn’t new to the Polk County League, but he is new to the Wheatland Mules this season.
Saultz, who spent three years at Halfway coaching both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, takes the reins for the Mules in 2017-18.
In 2016-17, Wheatland went 21-7 overall and 5-2 in the PCL before falling to Hermitage, 62-52, in the Class 1, District 7 title game.
“I am very excited to start my first year at Wheatland with such a great group of kids,” Saultz said. “This group has been part of a very successful program under Coach (Brian) Pearson (who is now the elementary principal). “I look forward to building upon the success that he has had in the past.”
And, a big part of that success was Zac Sutt, an All-State, All-District, All-PCL and District Most Valuable Player for Wheatland, who has taken his talents to Evangel University.
“As an opposing coach last year, I know what Zac could do to the opposition from an offensive standpoint,” Saultz said. “He averaged 25 points per game shooting 50 percent from the floor. He remained poised under pressure and led the team by example. That leadership will be missed.”
Also gone from last year’s squad is All-PCL and All-District player Hunter Jones – an underrated player on both sides of the ball. The Mules will also be without Devin Shields, Bailey Jones and Corbin Kite.
While the Mules have lost a big offensive weapon in Sutt, they do return Tristen Shaddox, a second-team All-PCL and All-District selection. Shaddox, a 6-foot-2 senior, averaged 13 points and 9 rebounds a game last year.
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“Tristen has the ability to be a premier player in the area and conference,” Saultz said. “He has evolved into an offensive threat inside and out, but will need to learn to guard more efficiently.”
Other key veterans include:
• Devin Koenig – 6-5 senior – Averaged 7 ppg, 6 rpg – Big man who can change the outlook of a game with his ability to defend the rim without fouling and by altering shots. Rebounds well and is a very good passer.
• Mitch Bigham – 5-8 senior – Averaged 7 ppg, 3 rpg – Good ballhandler and better decision maker. Shooting has improved and he is poised to have a big year in all categories.
• Dylan Baker – 6-2 senior – Averaged 2 ppg, 3.1 rpg – Very athletic forward with a good motor; will get to see more playing time this year and will use his athleticism to our advantage.
• Davin Smith – 6-1 junior – Averaged 3 ppg, 2.3 rpg – Gaining experience; an athletic forward with a guard’s skill-set.
• Trystin Newbold – 5-6 junior – Averaged 2 ppg – Is becoming an elite defender and improved shooter.
Other returnees are: Jacob Paul (6-2 junior), Dillion Taylor (5-8 junior), Zeke Rusk (5-10 sophomore) and Dylan Fellers (6-1 sophomore).
Wheatland welcomes newcomers in freshmen Austin Rife (6-0) and Joshua Galloway (5-7), and a transfer from Climax Springs – 6-1 senior Mason Apperson, a long, athletic guard who can shoot and defend well.
The Mules’ jamboree is set for Nov. 14 at Greenridge and includes Hermitage and Climax Springs. They open their season at home on Nov. 20 against Bronaugh.
“This group has shown they know how to win, even with losing a big senior class last year,” Saultz said. “There will be many new faces on the floor this season, but we look to continue with the winning ways.
“The team and myself are excited for the season and have been working hard to make another deep run in districts.”
