By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Adam Thornhill is cycling through his first full graduating class at Aurora and is coming off of his best season yet.
The Dawgs went 19-8 last year and return three starters and five total lettermen from that team.
“Last year has definitely given us some momentum,” said Thornhill. “But really the foundation that has been laid the past four years is the engine that is driving the “program” (not a team). “Teams” try to fix potholes every year, by building a road that doesn’t get potholes. The 19 wins is the result of the start to an established program (not just a team). We’re not there yet but we’re getting closer.”
Four seniors will lead this group in Trandan Darnall (6-0), Hayze Hoffman (6-7), Kelton Brown (6-0) and Daunte Floyd (6-4).
Darnall averaged 10.7 points and 2.5 assists last year, while Brown added 5.8 points and 2.4 rebounds. The two guards will be the catalyst for how Aurora plays this year.
“Trandan has started varsity since Day One of his freshman year,” said Thornhill. “What has made him good these past three years has not been his skill necessarily but more so his competitiveness, toughness and his understanding of what we value on both ends of the floor. Simply being a year older will only increase these strengths.
“Kelton is an explosive guard with improved decision making and passing. Could be our best defender and leader. Has been a part of our varsity since freshman year too.”
Hoffman and Floyd provide considerable size for Aurora. Along with 6-foot-6 junior Dayton McHenry, the Dawgs will have one of the biggest frontlines in the Big 8.
Hoffman averaged 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Floyd added 5.9 points and five rebounds.
“Hoffman is a long athletic guard who can take you inside or outside and guard multiple positions,” said Thornhill. “Has been a part of our varsity since freshman year. He’s set to have a breakout year.
“Daunte is a long, athletic forward who has really improved in many areas, terrific summer and ready for a breakout year. Dayton is a tough post player that gives us even more size. Very good in pick and roll game, capable shooter and high level passer.”
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Thornhill has several sophomores and freshmen that will compete for roster spots as well.
Sophomore guards Landon Boatwright and Clayton Jaramillo will add backcourt depth, while 6-foot-1 classmate Jayden Carpenter will see frontcourt reps. Freshmen guards Cannon Thornhill and Thomas Lara will also compete for varsity minutes.
For the Dawgs, everything continues to trend in the direction of getting the program’s first district championship since 2009.
“We have to continue to improve in what we do,” said Thornhill. “We are passionate about our style of play and have established our identity as a program that will force turnovers, run in transition, attack the basket and use the offensive glass as a weapon.”
Aurora will open the 2022-23 season on Nov. 28 at the Clever Invitational Tournament.
