By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Rolla has won back-to-back district championships and five since 2012 under Mark Miller. The Bulldogs will look to make it a three-peat this winter and – with three starters returning – the firepower is in place.
Leading the way will be senior Gage Klossner, Ty Locklear and Adam Hounsom.
Klossner was an All-Ozark Conference selection last year and was also a member of the All-OC Defensive Team. He’s one of the top returning guards in the league. Locklear is back after earning a reputation as a knockdown shooter, leading the team in 3-point FG makes and free throw percentage. Hounsom led Rolla in rebounding last year.
“Gage will be back at the point this year,” said Miller. “He’s a hard-nosed defender that handles, distributes and shoots the 3. Locklear is a sharp-shooting 3-baller and Hounsom is a slasher. He can score and will tear people up defensively with his size and quickness.”
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Miller is also expecting a pair of bigs – senior Chase Lindsey and junior Luke Foster – to have a major impact this season.
Both are returners from last year.
“Chase is a powerful force on offense and defense,” said Miller. “With his size, he will be a handful inside. Luke will be a name people come to know. At 6-foot-7 he can control the boards, runs the floor in transition and shoot the 3 very well. We look for him to have a breakout year.”
Juniors Amari Terrell and Caden Martens, as well as sophomores Cam Cooper and Nick Shelton, will also see varsity minutes.
Rolla is also expecting big things from Aaron Cook and sophomore Isaac Buhr.
“Buhr will be extremely versatile and can play anywhere on the floor,” said Miller. “Cook had a good offseason and could have a substantial role.”
The Bulldogs will open the 2021-22 season on Dec. 2 at the Republic Tournament. Rolla won the event in 2014 and 2018.
