By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Eventually, the Thayer Bobcats will face a rebuilding season or two.
It just won’t start this season.
With four starters back from a 24-win team, the Bobcats are equipped to continue their decade-long run of basketball success.
Thayer aims for its ninth straight district championship this season and first final four appearance since 2014.
Thayer’s success begins on the defensive end. The Bobcats limited opponents to only 44 points per game last season.
“We always focus on defense and rebounding,” said Thayer coach Matt Pitts. “That’s what wins games for us.”
Thayer features one of the area’s top backcourt tandems in seniors Jordan Andrews and Gaige Pitts.
Andrews averaged 21 points, four rebounds and two assists per game last season. He earned all-state honors and was named South Central Association Player of the Year.
Andrews, a 6-foot guard, is currently receiving interest from several JUCO and Division II programs.
“He’s a great scorer from all three levels and can score the ball as good as anyone around,” Matt Pitts said. “Jordan also has a high basketball IQ and is an extremely hard worker. He loves to compete.”
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Gaige Pitts, who is also receiving college interest, runs the show for Thayer’s offense.
Gaige, the son of the head coach, averaged 12 points, four rebounds and three assists last season while earning all-conference honors.
“He’s a floor general who sees the floor as well as anyone we have. He’s a great defender and rebounder,” Matt Pitts said.
Senior Lane Grimes (5.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg) brings athleticism and toughness to the floor.
“He makes big shots and really came on this summer by being more aggressive,” Matt Pitts said. “He can be a good perimeter shooter.”
Keaton Nicholson, a 6’5” senior, gives Thayer a presence around the basket.
He averaged about five points and five rebounds per game last season and expanded his skillset during the offseason.
“He’s a long athlete with good touch around the basket,” Matt Pitts said. “Keaton will give us a rim protector in the middle.”
Senior Landry Pitts (6.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg) anchors Thayer’s defense. Landry, the nephew of the head coach, earned all-conference honorable mention last season.
“He’s physical and strong with the ability to score from anywhere,” Matt Pitts said.
Sophomores Rowan Spencer and Mark Spencer (twins) saw limited varsity action as freshmen.
“Rowan’s an explosive guard with great speed and quickness. He can break down the defense off the dribble,” Matt Pitts said. “Mark’s a tough, physical guard who loves to compete.”
Sophomore guard Dalton Poulette will miss the season with a knee injury.
The Bobcats come off another stellar season.
The Bobcats finished 24-2 overall last season and won the Class 3 District 1 Tournament.
Thayer beat Charleston in the sectional round but fell one win shy of the final four with a 62-54 loss to Lift for Life Academy in the quarterfinals.
The Bobcats must replace a four-player senior class from last season’s squad: Jayce Haven, Jordan Madden, Levi Poulette and Ryan Parker.
Haven was a second team all-conference selection who had an “infectious attitude and motor,” Matt Pitts said.
“He was the ultimate competitor and a great teammate,” Matt Pitts said. “His leadership will definitely be missed as well.”
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Madden was one of the team’s top athletes and rebounders, while Poulette provided solid outside shooting. Matt Pitts described Parker as a “great teammate who had a great attitude.”
Few programs can match Thayer’s winning standards over the past 11 years.
Since the 2010-11 season, Thayer has won 10 district championships and posted eight seasons of 20 or more wins.
“We practice the same and prepare the same for every game on our schedule,” Matt Pitts said. “The goal is to never let your guard down no matter the opponent or the situation.”
Several new names are contending for varsity playing time.
Aidan Burns is a 6’3” sophomore with intriguing upside.
“He’s a super athlete who can score in a lot of ways and play great defense,” Matt Pitts said. “He’ll be a fun guy to watch. He has a great motor that never stops.”
Junior Aysa Walsh provides another shooting threat from the perimeter.
Sophomore Brady Justus (6’4”, 235 lbs.) gives the Bobcats size and power.
“He has good hands and feet and can finish well around the basket,” Matt Pitts said.
Sophomore Eric Simer is another good athlete and capable defender.
A pair of freshmen, Brandon Prince and Easton Pitts, will look to contribute in their rookie seasons. Easton is the son of the head coach.
Thayer begins the regular season December 3 at home against Izard County (Ark.).
