Head coach Will King enters his 17th season at Seneca looking to lead the Indians to a district title for the first time since 2013. They finished 13-13 overall and 2-4 in conference last season.
A group of six seniors graduated from last year’s team including: Preston Armstrong, Jacob Dunkin, Layne Henning, Isaiah Grotjohn, Levi Ketchum and Brennen Yust. Henning, Grotjohn and Yust all earned postseason honors last season. Yust is playing college basketball at Midland University in the NAIA.
Senior Titus Atkins is the lone returning full-time starter for Seneca. He scored 3 points per game to go with 3.7 rebounds per game.
“Titus is a smart player on both ends of the floor and provides us with some leadership and shooting,” King said.
Fellow senior Jordan Steadman and sophomore Hayden Gaines also return after seeing some time as starters last year. Steadman averaged 3 points per game with Gaines chipping in 2.6 points per game.
“Jordan provides great energy, is always making hustle plays, and provides great shooting,” King said. “Hayden brings quickness and handles and is confident with the ball.”
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The junior quartet of Blake Bettles, Dylan Dragoo, Quinton Platner and Gavin Simpson will look to step up as upperclassmen.
“Blake is a physical guard that provides shooting. Dylan is a high energy player with good quickness,” King said. “Quinton provides some post strength on both ends. Gavin brings toughness on the defensive end and is able to score in different ways.”
Sophomores Conner Ackerson and Cooper Long both stand at 6’3 and will be key players this year.
“Conner brings athleticism and can do multiple things on both ends of the floor,” King said. “Cooper, similar to Conner, should provide some energy and athleticism on both ends of the floor.”
Seneca will open the season Nov. 30-Dec. 5 in the Clever Tournament.
“I’m always excited to get the season going. I love the journey and the lessons we as a team get to experience together,” King said. “We lost a lot to graduation and therefore will be inexperienced and primarily young. However, we have some good leadership and I’m excited with several guys showing potential in all four grades. Our program focuses on two things: hard work and a good attitude. If we can accomplish those two things then we will be successful both in basketball and in life.”
