By Chris Parker
Neosho boys basketball went 17-11 last year posting the program’s first winning season since 2010. The Wildcats must replace graduated all-state selection K’dyn Waters, but are we suited to increase their win total with seven seniors returning.
“I expect all seven of our senior leaders to step up and lead by example for our underclassmen and also hold each other accountable,” Neosho head coach Cody Culp said. “This is the most seniors we’ve had on a team since I’ve been associated with Neosho Basketball which is going on 15 years. They’ve expected big things for themselves since they broke into high school and I don’t expect that to change.”
Those seven seniors include: Brock Franklin, Carter Fenske, Isaiah Green, Kael Smith, Carter Baslee, Jared Siler and Michael Day.
Culp on Franklin: “He is going to be our point guard this year after starting all 28 games last year and lettering the last three. He is also one of our best defenders and a bulldog on the court at all times. I expect him to be one of our leaders and our heartbeat on the floor.”
Culp on Fenske: “Carter will continue to build on the great high school shooting career he’s had after making 50+ threes last year. We are going to look to him to score for us this year.”
Culp on Green: “Started all 28 games last year. One of our best all-around players. He is the definition of a stat stuffer. He was second in points last year and first in rebounds, steals and assists.”
Culp on Smith: “Kael had a great season last year on both offense and defense. He averaged over one block per game and was outsized most times but never backed down. He had a great summer and we are planning on feeding him the ball in the post a lot this year.”
Culp on Baslee: “Carter had a huge summer and is going to be a big part of what we do. He is very athletic for his size (6’4 235lbs). He will be a monster on the boards and will be able to put the ball in the hole for us in a variety of ways.”
Culp on Siler: “Jared was a great two-way player for us last year. He can guard anybody at any position and has the ability to score in multiple ways. We are looking forward to him taking a big step this year and add even more to our team.”
Culp on Day: “Mike hit some big threes for us down the stretch, especially as he got going late in the season. We are looking for him to be a big shot maker from the outside for us this year.”
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Green led the group in scoring last year at 9.6 points per game while leading the team in rebounding (7 rpg) and assists (4 apg). Smith (7.9 ppg) and Fenske (7.6 ppg) were just behind him.
Baslee averaged 3.8 ppg and 2.9 rpg last year but expect those numbers to grow this year.
“Carter Baslee has impressed the most with his increased athleticism and his increasing basketball skills,” Culp said. “He was one of our best players over the summer and has made huge strides since his sophomore year.”
Collier Hendricks saw action in nine games last year as a sophomore. His role on varsity will grow this year.
“Collier Hendricks had a really good summer,” Culp said. “We are looking for him to come off the bench and give us minutes as the backup point guard and as a guy who can put the ball in the hole. He is a great shooter and very skilled ball handler. He worked hard this summer on being stronger and more physical.”
The upperclassmen will be the biggest source of strength for Neosho boys basketball.
“Depth and experience (will be strengths),” Culp said. “We have six guys returning who started games and also another letterman. We should be able to overcome adversity knowing that we have already been in big games and big situations.”
How those returning players replace the 23 points per game that graduated with Waters will go a long way in determining the success of this year’s team.
“I think consistent scoring will be where we need to improve the most,” Culp said. “Replacing a 23 ppg game guy can come with challenges.”
Neosho opens the regular season on Nov. 29 at home against Nevada.
“The relentless never die attitude (will be the team’s identity). These seniors have been through a lot and I expect them to be a gritty tough basketball team,” Culp said. “Since these seniors have become freshmen, the program’s record 43-37 which is the best four-year run the program has had since 2003. We are looking to improve upon that record and really leave a stamp with this senior class.”
