By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Few programs in Missouri can rival the success Nixa has had under Jay Osborne.
In what will be his 30th season at the helm, Osborne has amassed a 584-226 record, part of his 647 career victories, 300 of which have come over the last 13 seasons.
And with all that success – seven district championships and eight COC titles in the last 13 seasons alone – the 2021-22 edition of Nixa Basketball will be one of the most talented in recent memory.
Nixa returns three starters in senior Colin Ruffin and Jaret Nelson, as well as junior Kael Combs.
Ruffin – a 6-foot-3 point guard – was a Class 6 All-State selection, as well as All-COC and All-District pick, averaging 12 points, 6.3 assists and five rebounds. Combs is the other piece of Missouri’s best backcourt, averaging 13.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and a team-high 2.3 steals as a sophomore.
Both are future Division One players.
“Colin will be one of the best players in the area and the state this season,” said Osborne. “He can shoot, rebound, and pass. He’s a playmaker.
“Kael can play multiple positions as well; he’s a scorer and solid shooter. He can make plays at both ends of the floor. Kael is an All-State caliber player.”
Nelson also returns and his 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame helped him average 10.8 points and 5.8 rebounds last year. Osborne applauds his high-motor, toughness and ability to score.
Senior Colten Berry and Jordyn Turner also return after seeing significant minutes last year. Berry averaged 4.4 points and three rebounds, while Turner added 5.4 points and 2.1 rebounds. Berry, at 6-foot-7, 240 pounds, is one of the most imposing figures in the COC, while Turner gives Nixa yet another 6-foot-3 guard.
“Colten has great size and length,” said Osborne. “He’s a rebounder and low-block scorer. He could have a breakout season. “Jordyn really improved over the summer. He has great shooting range. He’s also athletic, but can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim.”
Seniors Keith Piepmeier and Jackson Bell as well as junior Noah Engelman will see varsity action this winter. Piepmeier is a 5-foot-10 guard that can play on or off the ball, while at 6-foot-3 both Bell and Engelman will add positional versatility.
DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR APPLE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID
It’s no secret that Nixa is in championship or bust mode.
The Eagles non-conference schedule includes Arkansas power Fayetteville, Father Tolton Catholic – which has multiple Power 5 prospects – and the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions with everything aimed at getting Nixa back to the Final Four for the first time since 2012.
“We are expecting another great season,” said Osborne. “If healthy, we have a chance to make a strong run at a Final Four and play for a state title. We have quality players throughout our program and our JV team was 21-1 last season. We could be the best team in Southwest Missouri, and will be one of the best teams in the state.
“We will have ball handlers, shooters, size, and length. We will be athletic with basketball finesse, but will be able to play a physical game as well. Our goal will be to win a state championship.”
