By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Ash Grove Pirates are coming off their most successful season in several years, including their first conference championship since 1985 and a district title.
“Our guys made a huge leap forward last season and really put Ash Grove back on the map in the basketball scene,” said Grant Williamson, who enters his fourth season as the Pirates’ head coach. “We finished the season with a 23-4 record, which is the most wins since 2002-2003. We also finished as outright Southwest Conference champions (8-0), our first outright conference title in almost 40 years. Most importantly, we won a district championship. It was really a phenomenal season for our guys.”
The Pirates will need to find a way to replace the production of Sam Moreland and Zane Delk, both seniors on last year’s squad.
• Sam Moreland averaged 20 points per game and shot 40 percent from 3-point range. Moreland also was the Southwest Conference Player of the Year and Class 3 District 12 Player of the Year. Currently playing at Baptist Bible College in Springfield. “Sam had a huge impact on our success last year,” Williamson said. “He is one of the best shooters in school history and was vital to our success.”
• Zane Delk averaged 7.2 rebounds per. “Zane filled a role for us last year that most players don’t like to do, and he thrived at it. He was an excellent post defender and rebounder and replacing his athleticism will be a challenge.”
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The Pirates have a great deal of experience returning this season, led by junior guard Brady Nicholson.
• Brady Nicholson, 6-foot-3 junior guard. Averaged 19 points, 3 assists and 4 rebounds per game, and is currently sitting at 946 career points. Earned first-team all-district and all-conference honors. “Brady was our 1B option to Sam last season,” Williamson said. “He can score from anywhere on the floor. He is the ultimate competitor and never shies away from the biggest moments. We are again expecting big things from him this season.”
• Brock Mooneyham, 6-0 senior guard. Averaged 8 ppg, 3 apg, 3.5 rpg. Named second-team all-district and all-conference. “Brock is one of our best defenders and also has a knack for putting the ball in the basket. Brock is a good perimeter shooter and has really improved his ability to get to the basket this offseason.”
• Nate Trammell, 6-0 senior forward. Averaged 8 ppg and 4.2 rpg. “Nate has great fundamentals and is very athletic. He often has to play as an undersized post defender but does so well. He has great touch around the basket and is very good when he gets going downhill. Nate is going to be a huge part of our success this season.”
Other returnees for the Pirates include Elijah Morrison, Tyler Tummons and Asher Rust.
• Elijah Morrison, 5-10 senior guard. Averaged 5 ppg. “Elijah is very fundamental and provides an element of toughness for our team.”
• Tyler Tummons, 5-10 senior guard. Averaged 4 ppg. “Tyler is a great decision-maker and explosive downhill. He will be a big boost to our offense and allow us to play fast in transition.
• Asher Rust, 5-9 junior guard. Averaged 3 ppg. “Asher is a very pesky on-ball defender and knock-down perimeter shooter. His ability to space the floor and defend will be key for us.”
Ash Grove will add three more guards to the roster this season in Bryce Davis, Cooper Burks and Wyatt Dennis.
• Bryce Davis, 6-1 junior. “Bryce led our JV in scoring last season and can get it done on the perimeter and attacking the basket,” Williamson said. “His presence will be called upon this season and we are confident he will fit in well.”
• Cooper Burks, 5-11 junior. “Cooper is very athletic and plays extremely hard. His motor never stops and he is a phenomenal teammate. He’s always rooting for guys and gives his best when called upon. Every team needs a Cooper and he will make an impact this season.”
• Wyatt Dennis, 5-11 senior. “Wyatt is a newcomer from Weaubleau. He has a high IQ and fits right in with our guys. He is coming off a shoulder injury, but his return would add depth and another shooter to our arsenal of weapons.”
The Pirates have several players who play fall sports, which can present a challenge in preparation, Williamson said. But he says competing in different environments allows them to grow as athletes.
And his team’s speed should be its strength, which will be important because of its size.
“Our guys like to play at a fast pace and that challenges teams on both ends of the floor,” Williamson said. “We aren’t a big team, so facing teams with size will be a challenge, but one that our guys are ready to take on. We will also have to learn how to make all five guys on the floor a threat as teams may shift their focus to certain individuals.”
Ash Grove opens the season at Crane on Nov. 22 before heading to the Morrisville Tournament on Nov. 28-Dec. 3.
“Our guys really treat the next game like the most important,” Williamson said. “They do a great job of taking things one step at a time.
“Anytime your team has success the previous season, you want to build on that and keep it going. The goals for this year’s team will still be to compete for conference and district championships. It will be challenging at times, but we believe we are capable of having another great year.”
