By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Coming off the program’s first district title in more than two decades, Joplin had high expectations entering last year.
But, having no senior starters took its toll on the program, as the Eagles lost eight games by seven points or fewer.
The silver lining to last season’s struggles is that Joplin returns four starters and has a talented crop of newcomers that are eager to help the program restore its rich tradition.
“I think we truly missed the seniors from 2018 last year when it came to closing out games,” said sixth-year head coach Jeff Hafer. “The majority of those losses we had a lead late and were not able to close out the game. I think we have learned from last year and this year’s senior will be excellent leaders for our team as we continue to try and take steps forward as a program.”
Joplin won’t have much size, but might be the most dynamic team in the COC when it comes to guard play.
All-COC selection Zach Westmoreland (12 PPG) is the team’s returning scoring leader and All-District pick Isaiah Davis (10 PPG, 6 RPG) is a four-year letterwinner.
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Both are Division One football commits with Davis committing to South Dakota State and Westmoreland committing to Southern Illinois, as well as all-state track athletes. They’re arguably the best athletes in Southwest Missouri.
“Za & Zach are unique,” said Hafer. “Mainly what makes them special is their drive to compete. They love to compete and take pride in how they prepare and play. Za and Zach are the two most accomplished HS athletes I have ever coached. They are special in big moments because of the success they have grown accustomed to in their athletic careers. Their success is a testament to how hard they work and their willingness to put the team first and lead by example.”
Sophomore Always Wright is also back after starting as a freshman, averaging 7.2 points and three assists. He spent the summer playing high level grassroots basketball as well as playing internationally with Mexico’s junior program. He’s also one of the top shooters in the Ozarks, knocking down 53 3s at a 41 percent clip.
“Always is a tireless worker when it comes to his game,” said Hafer. “Even as a three-sport athlete he consistently spends hours in the gym working on different aspects of his game. We will need him to step forward and take a more offensive role this year for us to be successful. His off-season workouts have been excellent and I think he will have another breakout year for us in 2019-20.”
Also returning to the starting lineup is 3 and D senior Blake Tash. A three-year starter and also a football standout, Tash not only shot 35 percent from 3, but he also led the team is charges taken.
He’s the ultimate glue guy.
A sleeper for Joplin this year will be the play of senior Dakari Allen.
A 6-foot-1 transfer from California, Allen will immediately give the Eagles another player that can facilitate offense for himself or others.
“Dakari is an explosive athlete that can put quite a bit of pressure on a defense in transition or in the half court,” said Hafer. “I think he can have a tremendous impact for our team as he continues to get acclimated to our program. I think our style of play suits his game very well. Dakari loves to create for others, which will be one of the main areas he will help us this year; he is very difficult to keep out of the paint.”
Seniors Issac Meeks and Tommy Hafer will step into expand roles this year. At 6-foot-6, Meeks is one of the only posts on the roster and offers some rim protection and rebounding. Hafer, a 6-foot-4 wing, is one of the programs best shooters and also provides lineup flexibility.
