The Sarcoxie boys graduated their lone all-conference player in Devon Middleton from last year’s 10-win squad. He averaged 13.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game as a senior.
“I will miss his energy and ability to get a bucket when we really needed one. He was our energizer bunny,” coach Andy Hogenmiller said.
Senior Eli Meyer is one of the top returning players after averaging 7.4 points per game while leading the team at 7 rebounds per game.
“I have seen a lot of growth out of him in the offseason. He has worked on several things including finishing around the rim, ball handling, and improving his shot. He can drive it and shoot it much better than ever,” Hogenmiller said. “I’m expecting him to be our leader by what he brings and how hard he plays. Numbers wise, if he can raise those points and rebounds 2 to 3 points a game, our team will benefit greatly.”
Junior Izaya Swayne was the team’s second-leading scorer at 9 points per game last season. He will have an expanded role this year.
“He really didn’t hit his stride until after Christmas break. Shot selection and increasing his shooting percentage along with adding other components to his game will all affect his role,” Hogenmiller said.
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Senior Nate Ogle along with juniors Cristian Velasquez, Haydon Kisling, Spencer Caddick and sophomore Michael Misner also return to the varsity court. Velasquez (5.4 points per game) and Misner (4.6 points per game) were the top scorers among that group last season.
“Depth should be a strength, and to go with that, we can play many different styles. We have the ability to play big or play a smaller and quicker lineup. We should be able to shoot it better than any other year in my tenure, but with that we have size and should be able to pound the ball inside as well,” Hogenmiller said.
Junior Blake Ogle will move up from junior varsity this season. Freshman Drake Acheson will see time at guard in his first high school season.
Sarcoxie joins the Southwest Conference this season. It is made up of traditional SRVC rivals Pierce City, Diamond, Miller and Lockwood and former Mid-Lakes squads Pleasant Hope, Ash Grove and Marionville.
“This conference will be very competitive from top to bottom,” Hogenmiller said. “I look for some tough battles that can go either way. Hopefully the Bears will make some good impressions on the new conference.”
Hogenmiller hopes to see his team ready to work for four quarters each time out.
“We expect to be in every game and out work and out play our opponents for four quarters. Some goals are to win more games than we lose, win a tournament, win at least two games in each tournament, and compete for the conference championship,” Hogenmiller said.
