By Chris Parker
Jerry Martin enters his sixth season as the head coach of the School of the Ozarks boys program. He returns two juniors in Justice Reynolds and Ethan Lander who each averaged double digit points for last year’s squad that finished 12-14 overall.
“They both have learned how to play with high effort and not being intimidated. Both do well getting in the lane and putting pressure on the defense. I’ll expect the same. Most of all they are both high character young men and the biggest thing they’ll bring is leadership and a high standard to try and achieve. They are both guards. I think they’ll lead us in shooting as well. That will be a point of emphasis,” Martin said.
Reynolds led the team in scoring last year at 12.2 ppg. He also had 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.8 steals per game. Lander averaged 10.8 ppg to go with 3.9 rpg and 3.3 apg.
Luke Williams (senior forward), Richie Cummings (junior guard), Gideon Martin (junior forward), Robert Camara (junior guard) and Jakob Ellett (junior guard) all return this year as well. None in that group averaged more than 2.5 points per game last year.
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Titus Thompson, Lucas Wright and Israel Reynolds are all newcomers that will figure into the varsity equation.
“I think strengths will be energy and quickness. We will not be big so scrambling will be part of the plan,” Martin said.
Expectations for the Patriots remains consistent.
“My expectations are usually unchanged. Obviously there are years I expect us to be better than others or as far as wins or post-season based on who returns and our depth but my biggest expectations by far are the young men on our team grow in their skill, knowledge of the game but especially how to lead, how to be a great teammate,” Martin said. “Do more than you say and keep things in perspective. Who they become is a priority, not what they become. Learn to handle pressure and adversity. Put the team and other above themselves. Your effort and attitude should draw attention to you, not stats or behavior.”
School of the Ozarks opens the season on Nov. 22 at Lutie.
