By Chris Parker
Lebanon boys basketball won five games in Ryan Toombs’ first year as head coach of the Yellowjackets. Things are trending in the right direction heading into year two with several key contributors back with more familiarity with Toombs’ system and expectations.
“Our guys are more familiar with how we want to play as we enter our second year together,” Toombs said. “We have had incredible attendance and buy-in this off-season which will contribute to our improvement in a big way. We are excited for practice to get started and look forward to competing hard.”
Two players who averaged in double figures scoring return for the Yellowjackets. Senior Austin Hendrix put up 10.4 points per game to go with 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game as a junior. Ray was just ahead of Hendrix averaging 10.7 points per game. He also had 2.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
Hendrix will be a key leader this year.
“Austin Hendrix plays extremely hard and had games last year where he led us in points and rebounds,” Toombs said. “We will be looking to Austin for leadership on and off the floor as he continues to bring competitive fire to practice and games.”
Ray earned Ozark Conference All-Defensive team honors after starting as a point guard in his sophomore season. He will look to expand his game even more on the offensive end.
“Caleb has shouldered a lot of responsibility for our varsity early in his career,” Toombs said. “It isn’t often we would ask a freshman or sophomore to start at point guard. He has always been a great defender but spent a lot of time working to take his offensive game to the next level. We feel strongly that his efforts will pay off and he will be a very efficient player for us on both ends of the floor again this season.”
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Wyatt Carr became more involved in the action as his sophomore season went on last year. He will have an even bigger role this year as a junior
“Wyatt Carr earned starter’s minutes by the end of his sophomore season after starting the year playing mostly JV,” Toombs said. “His improvement has only continued in the off-season as he has grown and spent countless hours on his game.”
Five newcomers are contending for spots both in the starting lineup and in the rotation. That group includes Dylan Russell (junior), Evan Webb (senior), Cooper Berry (junior), Kory Hough (junior) and Kelby Vandergrift (junior).
Toombs on Russell: “Dylan Russell posted multiple double-doubles at the JV level and led us in scoring for several of those. His size, strength, and willingness to battle for rebound positioning will be key to our success.”
Toombs on Webb: “Evan Webb started every JV game last season and has dedicated many hours to improving his game. We are excited to see that pay off for him.”
Toombs on Berry: “Cooper Berry had a great JV season and brings a high energy level to the court. He gives us a player who can play inside and stretch the floor while also improving our team rebounding ability.”
Toombs on Hough: “Kory Hough shot the ball very well last year at the JV level and showed flashes in limited Varsity time. He has grown physically and worked on becoming a more consistent shot maker.”
Toombs on Vandergrift: “Kelby Vandergrift is a great example of not giving up. He was cut in 7th and 8th grade but has worked like crazy to position himself as a varsity contributor headed into his junior year. He will give us another option at point guard this season.”
Lebanon will host a jamboree on Nov. 15 with Rolla, Sparta and Bunker before opening the regular season on Nov. 29 at Salem.
“We are going to be undersized on most nights, so we have to make up for that with a high level of focus and energy spent on keeping our opponent off the glass,” Toombs said. “We also need to take great care of the basketball and get a high-quality shot on offense. These two things will allow us to maximize our possessions while minimizing that of our opponents, giving ourselves a chance to compete for wins late in games.”
