By Chris Parker
Thomas Jefferson boys basketball has been on a strong run over the last several years with four straight seasons with at least 15 wins. The Cavaliers reached new heights last year winning the program’s first district title since 2012 while posting a 20-6 record overall. It was the first time hitting the 20-win mark since 2010 for Thomas Jefferson.
The Cavaliers will be without first-team all-conference selection Dhruv Gheewala this year, but return three other all-conference players in seniors Caden Myers and Drew Goodhope and junior Jay Ball.
Myers was a second-team all-conference selection as a junior. He averaged 15.8 points, 4 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game last year. He is verbally committed to play at Drury next year.
“Caden is our main vocal leader,” Thomas Jefferson head coach Chris Myers said. “He is a strong, athletic kid that will lead the way for us.”
Goodhope is a strong shooter who averaged 11.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assist per game last year. He shot 48% from three-point range. He was honorable mention all-conference last year.
“Drew is our main shooting guard,” Myers said. “He shoots the ball as well as anyone in the area.”
Ball, who also earned honorable mention all-conference honors last year, will be a key player inside standing at 6’6. He averaged 10.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game as a junior.
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“(He is a) major presence inside,” Myers said. “(He) has put a lot of extra time into his game and should have a great year.”
Junior forward Tyler Brouhard and senior forward Elias Rincker return as well.
Brouhard is on track to enter the starting lineup this year after averaging 2.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1 steal per game last year.
“Tyler has a ton of potential,” Myers said. “He’s long and can really score the basketball. He will have a firm grip on a starting job for us this year.”
Senior Jake Jarrett and junior Kip Atteberry will be newcomers to watch this year.
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Thomas Jefferson will be strong at the top with three all-conference players, but must develop depth to be successful this year.
“We return three very proven players that will give us a great base to build on,” Myer said. “Depth will be our biggest issue. We will need several kids to step up and fill out our roster.”
Thomas Jefferson opens the season on Nov. 22 at home against Exeter.
“I think we will be a very balanced team. Our big man’s inside presence and our guard’s ability to shoot will give teams some trouble,” Myers said. “I expect that our team will be right in the mix for conference and district championships.”
