By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Landon Cornish is entering his seventh season at Parkview and the expectations couldn’t be any higher.
The Vikings return four starters – in addition to several talented newcomers – from last year’s 14-11 team that topped district champions like Rolla, Rogersville and Poplar Bluff.
It all starts in the backcourt with what may be the best set of guards in the Ozarks.
“Our backcourt can be really good this year, it is really going to come down to passing up “good shots for great shots” – we need to make unselfish plays, reward the extra pass and make the game easier for each other,” said Cornish.
Senior 6-foot-2 All-Stater Elijah Whitley has the most clout.
As a junior he averaged 19 PPG and shot better than 40-percent from 3-point range. He currently holds offers from D1 SIU-Edwardsville and D2 national power Drury, while he’s also being courted by several other D1 and top D2 programs.
“Elijah is a very efficient scorer,” said Cornish. “He’s a great athlete, has gotten stronger and improved his athleticism. He’s a very physical player who can score inside and out, rebounds really well and can defend multiple positions.”
He’ll be joined by a trio of juniors in Kevin Parker Jr., Amarre Clark and Shane Glass.
Parker Jr. and Clark are one of the most dynamic backcourt duos in the Ozark Conference, with both averaging nine points per game as sophomores. Glass, at 6-foot-4, gives the Vikings size and athleticism.
“Kevin has the ability to score from the perimeter and has improved playmaking ability, seeing the floor and looking to set his teammates up more will really help our team,” said Cornish. “Amarre can get hot and score in bunches. He has improved his consistency with his 3-point shot, while still being a very quick and athletic lefty. Similar to Kevin, he has continued to improve in his playmaking. He has the ability to be a multiple assist guy each game, we will need him to create and set up guys for easy baskets as well as get his looks.
“Shane has grown into his body and has gained some bounce. He was a great rebounder and defensive presence last year. I think his offensive game and finishing ability has improved. He can take a rebound and push it himself this year. He will be a very active player that can disrupt teams offensively.”
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Parkview is loaded with talent around those returning starters.
Senior Brandon Corley, junior Mattias Whalen and sophomore Anthony Nunda are more guards that will be two-way nightmares with their ability to run the team, make shots and defend. Cornish loves their basketball IQ. A pair of young, athletic wings in sophomore Jamile Johnson and freshman Eli Govan will also see varsity action. Cornish believes both have high upside but can also make a major impact now. Sophomore guard TJ Hill is a big guard that can attack off the dribble, make shots and defend.
Maybe the biggest additions for Parkview are a pair of players that have already proven themselves at the varsity level with different programs.
Senior Marcus Price joins Parkview after being a three-year starter at Pleasant Hope and classmate Xzavia McArthur started for OC rival Waynesville’s district championship team. Price is a 6-foot-4 athlete and McArthur gives Parkview yet another lightning quick guard.
“Marcus brings in some needed size and athleticism around the basket. He can score with his back to the basket but also face up and make plays,” said Cornish. “Defensively, his high motor and length will be huge for us. We lacked a rebounding edge last year and we definitely think he can make us better.
“Xza can really handle the ball and get to his spots. He’s a true pass first point guard that we hope can really make us effective offensively. He’s a strong athlete, at 5-foot-7 he can rebound and defend. He wants to play fast and get guys going, we will use his ability to push tempo on both ends of the floor.”
Parkview has the honor of being in the prestigious Bass Pro Tournament of Champions this year, which will be the program’s 11th appearance and second under Cornish. It’ll be Cornish’s fourth appearance as a coach.
He’s excited for the experience it’ll provide his players and program.
“It’s a great opportunity for our program, we get a chance to compete against the best players and teams across the country,” said Cornish. “We get to play in an atmosphere unlike any other in high school sports. It’s obviously a huge challenge but one that will only make our team better. It’s an honor for our players to go out and compete and represent Springfield Public Schools. Our players know the work it’s going to take to get prepared for the challenge.”
It’s no secret that Parkview expects to compete for conference, district and state championships this year. The program has just one district title in the last 30 years and Cornish won that in 2018. The Vikings haven’t won the OC since 2001 but have finished as the runner-up in each of the last two seasons.
This season is about getting over the hump, something that will happen if the team can continue to buy into the bigger picture.
“The biggest keys for our team this year will be team chemistry and sacrificing for the team,” said Cornish. “Focusing on getting better every day of the season. We need to keep our heads down and not worry about things out of our control. Our message this year will be to show up and hold yourself accountable every day. Make your teammates better and play as a TEAM.”
Parkview will open the 2021-22 season on Nov. 19 at the BSN Tip-Off Classic.
