By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Last season, the Branson Pirates found themselves in close games – even leading at times – against some of the better teams in the area. Heading into the 2020-2021 campaign, the Pirates are looking to be on the winning side of those games.
“We competed very well in several games,” said head coach Mike Linehan, who has a 32-51 record in three seasons with the Pirates. “Our guys have learned the importance of taking care of each possession on both ends of the floor. Last year, a few of our close games that turned into losses came due to a missed block out or careless turnover at key moments in the game.”
After beating Central by 13 in the first round of the Class 5 District 11 tournament, Branson lost to Kickapoo in the semifinals by 15. The Pirates led by one at the half and competed with the Chiefs for three quarters, but let it slip during the fourth. Prior to that, a five-point lead over Ozark with two minutes to go also got away.
Branson, which finished 10-18 overall and 3-6 in the Central Ozark Conference, did pick up some big wins last season with a last-second victory over Willard and a win over Lebanon in the Blue and Gold Tournament.
Gone from last year’s roster are D’Shawn Craigg, Aden Arnette and Darion Williams.
Craigg was the Pirates’ point guard and best defender, while averaging 7.2 points per game. Arnette, who averaged 9.5 ppg, was key from long range; and Williams, an undersized post (6-foot-3), could score inside or outside, and averaged 7 ppg and 6 rebounds.
Branson welcomes back juniors Ethan Jones and Colton Cooper, both who started as sophomores, as well as Kyle Scharbrough.
• Ethan Jones, 5-11 junior guard, was a third-team All-COC selection and all-district after averaging 16.4 ppg and 4 rpg. He also has scored 520 points for his career. “That is pretty special considering he plays in one of the toughest conferences/districts in the state,” Linehan said. “I could see him pass the 1,000-point mark this season.”
• Colton Cooper, a 5-11 junior forward, averaged 5 ppg and 4 rpg. “He was an undersized big man, who played a lot bigger than he is. He was a good post defender and rebounder. He adds a lot of toughness to our team. He can shoot and has good footwork under the basket.”
• Kyle Scharbrough is a 6-0 junior guard. “A sharp-shooter, who can score from deep and is crafty in his ability to get to the rim. He saw the varsity floor a lot as a sophomore and will step into a scoring role for us this season.”
The Pirates also will look to senior newcomers Brady Blackwell and Payton McCormick to add size and athleticism to the lineup.
“I’m excited about our basketball IQ and the number of guys who can shoot the ball,” Linehan said. “We are always undersized compared to our opponents, but we are adjusting and are prepared. I think our toughness on defense will surprise some teams this year.”
Branson opens the season with a nonconference game at Lebanon on Nov. 24, before competing in the Willard Basketball Classic on Dec. 3-5.
“This team is tough and is used to winning,” Linehan said. “I am excited about the team’s ability to score points this season. We have had to rely on tough defense to keep us in games in the past and this year, we have several kids who can shoot and score by getting to the basket.
“We will also do some good things defensively this season as this group has a high defensive IQ and work ethic.”
