Hillcrest boys basketball is poised to take a big step forward this year with three starters returning
By Jordan Burton (OzarksSportsZone.com)
Hillcrest is entering its fourth season of the Jordan Fielding Era and the results have been promising.
While the Hornets saw their win total take a dip last year, the team was as competitive as any in Class 5.
And – with three productive starters returning – this group will be the most talented Fielding has had. After so many close losses last year – seven of which came by six points or fewer – Hillcrest is eager to hit the ground running this season.
“It was tough to be so close in so many games last year and not come out on the winning side,” said Fielding. “The difference between winning and losing for us in those games came down to just a few possessions here and there that didn’t go our way. That is how the basketball bounces sometimes. I think we understand now how hard winning really is when you play quality opponents every game. This year we are preaching urgency to our guys. Every practice, every game, and every possession has to be the most important thing to us.”
Having Cole Griesemer, Braxton Baker and AK Staten-Ballance back in the mix helps.
Griesemer – a 6-foot-5 guard – averaged 10 points, six rebounds and a pair of assists last year, earning All-Ozark Conference honors. Baker is a 6-foot-6 senior that came into his own last year, averaging nine points and five rebounds.
They figure to be one of the top tandems in the OC and both have been in the lab working on their game since last March.
“The biggest thing that Cole added to his game this summer is his ability to shoot the ball,” said Fielding. “Cole has always been a streaky shooter over the last few years, but now he has really committed to becoming a good shooter. This spring, summer, and fall he has been in the gym on the gun building his confidence and perfecting his shot. He has also gotten stronger this summer. Playing football has really helped him develop his strength and improve his athleticism. Really excited to see him reap the rewards of all his hard work this offseason.
“If Braxton has a good year then the Hornets are going to have a good year. The thing about Braxton is that he is just naturally good at whatever sport he plays. He was all-conference in basketball, all-conference in baseball, and all-state at the high jump in track. He is truly an all-around athlete. The difference between this year and last year though is that Braxton has dedicated this fall to getting better at basketball. He is in the gym multiple days a week outside of our team gym time working on his game. He is ready to have a great year.”
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Staten-Ballance will add a big-time athlete to Hillcrest’s lineup and one of the top defenders in the league.
“AK really hit his stride towards the end of the season last year,” said Fielding. “He’s an athletic guard who can play above the rim and create his own shot and shoot the three. He has great lateral quickness and takes pride in trying to stop his man from scoring. We are looking for him to have a breakout year.”
Sophomore guard Tanner Hicks is one of several newcomers expected to make an impact. Hicks played in 22 games as a freshman and is one of the top young guards in the OC. Senior Coby Allen averaged nine points as a junior.
Malachi Shull, Ethan Weaver and Levi Romero are all going to see significant roles this winter as well.
“Tanner can shoot it, finish in traffic, and pick up opposing guards at 94 feet,” said Fielding. “We will be expecting a lot of him this year and I think he is ready to have a great year. Coby is a big, strong guard who is one of the best one on one players I have seen. If he can mesh his play style with what we are trying to do offensively he will have a big year. He is a great shooter and plays with a lot of confidence.”
Fielding is also excited about the potential of Amarre Clark, Bradlee Moore, Luke Sutherland, Gage Sisco, Dominic Downey, and Jaydon Carrizales.
Clark is a transfer from Parkview that has played major minutes the last few years.
“We have a plethora of seniors, juniors and sophomores who will have a chance to impact our varsity team this year,” said Fielding. “All these players are tough guys who will be competing for varsity minutes.”
The Hornets haven’t won a district championship since 2015, a season that ended with a Final Four run. This could be the program’s most talented group since that team.
Fielding believes they’re capable of making a run if they take it day-by-day.
“At Hillcrest the benchmark for success has always been district championships and beyond,” said Fielding. “The Hillcrest Basketball tradition of success is always fresh in our coaches and players minds. It takes more than just wanting it though. We too often as a program look towards the first week of March and lose sight of where our feet are. We have to compete with urgency every practice, every game, and every possession if we want to be able to compete for a district and conference championship at the end of the season. I really love our team and I am looking forward to seeing the season our team has.”
Hillcrest will travel with Mansfield to Ozark for a jamboree on Nov. 15 before opening the 2022-23 season at the Clever Tournament on Nov. 28.
