Zack Kleine takes over as the head coach of the Cassville boys basketball program this year after serving in the same role for the Monett girls last season. Kleine was an assistant for the Monett boys the four seasons prior to that.
He will look to turn around a program that has finished above .500 just once since winning a district title in 2011.
“We want to try and create some excitement around basketball, and get more kids wanting to play. A building process doesn’t happen overnight. We are very excited about the group of kids we have right now as well as getting started with the youth, and building the program up,” Kleine said.
Zac Acheson will be a key senior for Cassville. He returns to the basketball court after taking a couple seasons off.
“Zac is coming back to basketball after taking a couple seasons off. We like the work he put in this summer, and are expecting big things on the court from him as well as being a great role model for some of our younger guys,” Kleine said.
Junior Corey Thomas had a strong summer and will be a key player.
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“Corey is another great kid that put a lot of work in over the summer, and is looking to have a big year. He provides a lot of leadership qualities for us, and we will lean on him a lot whenever things aren’t going well,” Kleine said.
Aiden Cook will be expected to contribute in a big way as a sophomore.
“A lot will be put on Aiden’s shoulders this year. Coming in as a sophomore and playing a big role as a sophomore will be a huge challenge, but he has a very high ceiling, and can’t wait to see him develop as a player,” Kleine said.
The sophomore trio of Peter Littlefield, Hernan Hernanez and Newt Howe will also be underclassmen looking to compete for varsity minutes. Howe was injured in a car accident in the off-season, but Kleine is hoping to have him back in the latter part of the season.
“Peter is probably our best overall defender and will get the other team’s best player most nights. We have high expectations for him, and what he can do,” Kleine said. “Isaac is what I’d call a glue guy. He does a little bit of everything, and makes it really hard to not have him on the court.
Junior Tim Hudson will bring toughness to the court.
“Tim is a tough physical player looking to make a big impact his first year at the varsity level,” Kleine said.
Cassville will be short on varsity experience this year, so Kleine hopes to see steady improvement throughout the year.
“I expect my kids to work hard and show improvement each game. Coming in with a group that doesn’t have a lot of varsity experience will be challenging early in the year, but we still expect to compete in every game and give ourselves a chance to win,” Kleine said. “Our coaching staff is really pushing the defensive end of the floor this season. Getting our guys bought in on that end is a must for us to have success this year.”
Cassville opens the season on Nov. 24 at Pierce City.
