By Chris Parker
Webb City boys basketball came up one game short of qualifying for the Class 4 Final Four last year falling to Helias Catholic 63-54 in the state quarterfinals.
The Cardinals graduated just three players from that team, but two of them were COC Player of the Year Terrell Kabala and Second-Team All-COC selection Tanner Rogers. Kabala led the team in scoring with 14.9 ppg to go with 4.4 rpg and 2.7 apg. Rogers was second in scoring at 11.7 ppg.
“We’re going to miss their production both offensively and defensively but more than anything we will miss the leadership they provided on court,” Webb City head coach Jason Horn said.
Webb City has won back-to-back district titles along with four in the past five years. The expectations will remain high this year.
“First of all, we’ve been very fortunate to have some really good players come through our program. Our staff has done a good job developing our players and we’ve been consistent with what we teach in our system beginning with the youth all the way up to the varsity level,” Horn said. “I believe success breeds success and that helps to create a great deal of pride in the program. That has helped our kids to embrace the next man up mentality.”
Senior Nickhai Howard returns after averaging 10.3 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game last year.
“Nickhai is a very gifted and well-rounded player. We will look to get the ball in his hands as much as possible and let him create opportunities for himself and his teammates,” Horn said. “His versatility both offensively and defensively separate him from a lot of players his size. He can guard multiple positions, and he’s one of the best rebounding guards in the area. Offensively, he is very skilled and extremely quick with the ball in hands. That combination makes him very tough to stay in front of on the offensive end and leads to a lot of easy scoring opportunities for his teammates.”
Cohl Vaden was one of the area’s top sophomores last year. He returns as a junior looking to expand on his 8.8 ppg average while stepping up as a leader.
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“I think he’s becoming more vocal and looking to take on more of a leadership role with this team,” Horn said. “Cohl is a smart, confident player who plays with a great deal of toughness. His ability to score the basketball and create opportunities for his teammates created matchup problems for our opponents.”
Mekhi Garrard gives Webb City a third returning player that averaged at least 8 ppg last year.
“Mekhi is an explosive athlete and a tremendous on-ball defender,” Horn said. “Defensively, he will match him up with our opponent’s best player. Offensively, we expect him to put pressure on our opponents with his ability to get to the rim and finish plays in traffic.”
Seniors Trenton Hayes (6’1 guard), Luke Brumit (6’4 forward) and Shane Noel (6’0 guard) have all had solid off-seasons. Hayes can score the ball at all three levels and is a versatile defender. Brumit brings good length to the post and will be a key defensive player. Noel is a strong shooter and tenacious defender.
Kaden Turner (6’3 forward), Max Higginbotham (6’2 guard) and Alex Martin (6’4 forward) are three other players who have made off-season strides. Turner brings athleticism and the ability to finish above the rim. Higginbotham and Martin both are strong, knockdown shooters.
Webb City will being its quest for another deep postseason run on Dec. 8 at home against Lamar.
“I don’t like to put a number on what can be accomplished because each group and season are different in what they offer and the challenges that will be faced,” Horn said. “With that said I do think we have a very talented group back that will be able to compete at a high level.”
