By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
It’s a new era for Mountain Grove basketball.
The Panthers have a new coach and a cluster of players looking to show what they can do on the varsity level.
Nick Openshaw, who previously served as an assistant coach in the program, takes over as head coach.
Openshaw replaces Duane Hiler, who coached Mountain Grove from 2014-22. Hiler guided the Panthers to four straight district titles and three final four appearances during his recent stint.
“Following in the footsteps of a Hall of Famer is always a tall task, but fortunately I spent many years working with Coach Hiler and know the kids well,” Openshaw said. “There will be some changes to the style of play, but we want the transition to be seamless for the players.
“We will keep a lot of things similar to help with the transition.”
While there’s a lot to be determined this season, Openshaw and his staff want to plant the seeds for future success.
“Our expectation is to create an opportunity for these young men to play in a conference and district championship every year,” Openshaw said.
The Panthers will reshuffle their lineup for 2022-23 after graduating three all-conference players.
Seniors Hollen Glenn and Tyson Elliott are Mountain Grove’s most experienced returnees. Both have played varsity since they were freshmen.
Glenn is one of the team’s best defenders. Elliott, who averaged six points per game in nine contests, is eager to bounce back after an injury derailed his junior season.
“Hollen can speed up the game, both offensively and defensively. He will be a huge asset for our team,” Openshaw said. “We’re glad to have Tyson’s leadership and knack for the details back on the hardwood this year.”
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Another senior, Drew Vaughan (5.2 ppg), provides quality outside shooting.
“He will help us space the floor and he’s quick enough to guard people on the perimeter at a high level,” Openshaw said.
Junior guard Bradley Henry (6.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg) looks for an enhanced varsity role after showing promising signs as a sophomore.
“Bradley has a lot of basketball experience. His size and versatility will help us on the perimeter and in the paint,” Openshaw said.
Mountain Grove finished 11-14 overall last season. The Panthers graduated a four-player senior class in Jase Dowden, Bryce Stenzel, Kaden Bruce and Isiah Hellbusch.
This winter, Mountain Grove will be seeking its first winning season since 2018-19.
Many varsity newcomers will try to help Mountain Grove restore its winning standards.
“We have a large group of players looking to get their first significant time at the varsity level this season,” Openshaw said. “We hope the depth we have at the guard position will allow us to push players past their comfort zone so we can develop as the season progresses.”
In the junior class, Mountain Grove has several players looking to move up from JV to varsity.
Peyton Shannon, Gaitlin Keeling, Gabe Linton and Trace Devries give the Panthers backcourt depth.
“Peyton is a streaky shooter who can really get it going on the offensive end,” Openshaw said. “He has worked hard to add new skills to his game throughout the summer.”
Keeling excels at getting to the rim, Openshaw said. Linton and Devries were productive as well on a strong JV squad last season.
Junior forward Carson Allen returns to Mountain Grove’s program after a two-year hiatus.
“Carson’s physical presence will help us around the rim this year,” Openshaw said.
Another junior, guard Brylon Mayberry, will now wear the maroon and white after moving in from Dora.
“He gives us another guard with some varsity experience who we hope can contribute this year,” Openshaw said.
Sophomore forward Preston Williams had a solid rookie season on Mountain Grove’s JV squad.
“He works hard around the rim to rebound the ball and plays larger than he is defensively,” Openshaw said.
Keep an eye on freshman guard Aden Estep, who saw varsity action on Mountain Grove’s summer league team.
“We hope he is able to continue his development and find some varsity minutes this year,” Openshaw said.
Expect some ups and downs along the way as the Panthers develop a young roster.
“It will be a year of finding a lot out about our players,” Openshaw said. “We want to challenge them to not just fall into the same routines they have before so we can grow and challenge them.
“We want to utilize our depth to take advantage of pressure we can use defensively.”
Mountain Grove hosts Plato and Eminence for a jamboree on Nov. 15.
The Panthers begin the regular season at the Clever Invitational, held Nov. 28 to Dec. 3.
