By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Bears improved their record to 16-10 last season, topping Licking in the Class 3 District Tournament before ending their season in the semifinal round against St. James. A battle-tested team returns, as does head coach Mike Wilson for his third year at Willow Springs, along with 30 years of coaching experience and 545 wins under his belt.
Willow Springs graduated three: Brady Walton, Carson Lowe, and Tryton Henley.
The Bears will continue to feel the absence of Jonah Smith, who was killed in a car crash in July 2019. “This would be his senior year,” said Wilson. “He was our best player in the summer before what would have been his junior year and my assistant coaches and I feel he would be our best again this year.”
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Willow Springs will showcase a cast of athletic upperclassmen.
Owen Duddridge has started since his freshman year, and the 6’0” junior averaged 14.8 points per game last season as the team’s point guard. “He is our leading returning scorer and our best player,” said Wilson. He made the all-conference and all-district teams as a sophomore.
Scottie Osborn is a 6’0” junior post player who averaged 12.5 points and 9 rebounds per game. “He is very strong and is hard to stop when he gets the ball deep,” said Wilson. He has also started every game since his freshman year and was an honorable mention all-conference award winner last year.
Avery Stolba, senior, provides depth in the guard position and is a skilled defender.
Thomas Chaney “is probably our best athlete,” per his coach. The 6’2” senior is a strong rebounder and has nice range. His twin, Justin Chaney, is 6’4”, can connect from downtown and is a physical rebounder. “Justin is a good player who we expect big things of this season,” said Wilson of the senior.
Brayden Henry is a 6’2” senior forward who can rebound and has a good range, which he has worked to improve over the summer.
Gannon McGinnis added five points per game as a sophomore and will be added to the varsity lineup. The junior became a solid varsity player with shooting and defending skills and also improved over the summer.
Newcomers include Gabe Colvin, a junior who could contribute on defense. Seniors Cody Ward and Ben Clarkston will add depth at the guard position.
Wilson said his team struggled with turnovers last season but the Bears have worked to improve guard play. They will also step up defense and rebounding and look to develop their outside shooting.
“They work extremely hard as a group,” said Wilson. “Our goal has always been to work harder in practice than anyone else.”
The Bears host West Plains Dec. 4 to open their season.
