By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
On paper, it can be easy to overlook the young Thayer Bobcats.
History shows Thayer will be ready to prove the doubters wrong.
“We have a team full of guys who love to play hard and work hard,” said Thayer coach Matt Pitts. “We’ll be ready to compete every night. We want to keep playing for championships.”
Thayer, coming off a 3rd place finish in Class 3, will try to keep its championship standard going with a new-look lineup.
The Bobcats will be seeking a 10th straight district championship with underclassmen leading the way this winter.
Forward Aidan Burns is a rising star who figures to become Thayer’s go-to player this season. Burns, a junior, was named second team all-conference last season after averaging just shy of 14 points and five rebounds per game.
“He’s a great player with crazy athletic ability, good length and a motor that doesn’t quit,” Pitts said. “He scores and defends at all three levels and is a very smart player.”
Junior guards Rowan Spencer and Mark Spencer bring quickness and intangibles to Thayer’s backcourt.
“Rowan’s very quick and bouncy, plus deceptively strong. He’s tough to keep out of the paint and can shoot the 3 well,” Pitts said. “Mark is strong and a great defender. He’s also a capable 3-point shooter and a great competitor.”
Junior Dalton Poulette looks to bounce back after missing last season with a knee injury.
Sophomore Brandon Prince could be destined for a breakout season. The 6’4” forward has the versatility to play inside or out.
“Prince will be a tough matchup for most teams,” Matt Pitts said.
Sophomore Easton Pitts, the son of the head coach, gives Thayer another weapon in the guard department.
“He’s quick, athletic and can hit the 3,” Matt Pitts said. “He finishes well around the basket and can handle the ball for us.”
Thayer graduated an outstanding, five-player senior class – all of which made significant varsity contributions amid the final four run.
Guards Jordan Andrews and Gaige Pitts earned all-state honors.
Andrews was named Class 3 Co-Player of the Year. Gaige Pitts now plays at nearby juco program Missouri-West Plains.
Also gone are Keaton Nicholson and Landry Pitts, who earned all-conference honorable mention, plus Lane Grimes.
Thayer finished 29-2 overall last year and took third place in Class 3. The Bobcats reached the state final four for the first time since 2014 and won their ninth straight district championship.
It hasn’t been a fluke, either. Thayer’s had seven straight seasons of 20 or more wins.
The 2022 seniors raised the bar even higher for Thayer’s lofty standards.
“The 2022 seniors were really special, and I am so blessed to be able to say that I got to coach them,” Matt Pitts said. “They did things the right way and showed our young guys what it means to carry yourself like a champion.”
A few newcomers will look to fill Thayer’s production void.
Sophomore Devin Harrington offers nice upside with his athleticism and 6’5” frame.
“Devin is versatile and a matchup nightmare. He can score from all three levels,” Matt Pitts said. “He has great length and athleticism and can protect the rim.”
Another sophomore, Cooper Clark, brings toughness and a physical presence.
“He’s a hard-nosed player with a great basketball IQ,” Matt Pitts said. “He can play inside or out.”
Freshman guard Heath Combs is a “good athlete with speed and scoring ability,” Matt Pitts said.
Thayer opens the regular season Dec. 2 at Melbourne (Ark.).
The Bobcats won’t play their first home game until Jan. 3 against Gainesville.
