By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
New El Dorado Springs boys basketball coach Brian Johnson has been busy getting to know his new players and becoming familiar with the Missouri State High Schools Activities Association’s rules.
Johnson arrives in Missouri after coaching in Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina
“In Kentucky, middle school players can play and start in varsity basketball, open gyms are allowed up until tryouts, there is no dead period a week before tryouts (and) official practices start for basketball on Oct. 15,” Johnson said. “These are all changes I’m adapting to. I’m not saying they are all bad, but they are very different from what I’m accustomed to.”
Johnson takes over for Nick Engelman, who is now El Dorado Springs’ athletics director.
“We have had a great working relationship since day one,” Johnson said.
Engleman guided the Bulldogs to a 16-13 record last winter, the program’s first winning season in 10 years. They topped things off by winning the Class 3 District 13 championship.
Johnson is optimistic El Dorado Springs can pick up where it left off and then some.
“The talent is here to do amazing things,” he said. “We should be able to make some noise. I feel like we have the buy-in from the players, but we need the time on the court for them to learn (a new) system.”
In addition to the head coach, new to the Bulldogs are junior guard Jude Wyant and freshman guard Jacob Johnson.
Wyant played varsity ball as a freshman and sophomore for El Dorado Christian.
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“He is a great shooter and ball handler,” Brian Johnson said. “He will provide scoring depth and leadership.”
Jacob Johnson averaged 10 points a game while playing jayvee ball in Kentucky as an eighth-grader a year ago.
“He has the ability to see the floor and score at all three levels,” Brian Johnson said. “He has a beautiful 3-point shot.”
El Dorado Springs welcomes back returning starters Landon Murry, Kaden Burley and Kade Fast.
“Landon is a solid point guard and three-point shooter,” Johnson said. “(We’re) looking to expand his skill-set after a dominant football season at running back. Kaden has amazing size (6-foot-7) and ability to block shots. He has improved his rebounding and inside scoring presence. (We’re) looking forward to seeing Kade’s effort and leadership.”
Kuliath Kephart, Grant Ehlers, Rees McCullough and Joe Gordon also all offer experience.
Johnson said fans can expect to see more of McCullough.
“Rees has worked very hard to improve his strength and size,” Johnson said. “He played AAU basketball and continued to develop during the off-season. In my opinion, Rees has the best footwork of any post player on the team.
Johnson has tagged Kephart with the nickname “Goliath.”
“Goliath” has an uncanny way of getting to the basket,” Johnson said. “He goes head to head with Burley each day in practice. He works hard and wants to compete at a high level.”
Johnson values the athleticism Gordon brings and looks forward to his progress.
“He is one of the most versatile athletes I’ve ever met,” Johnson said. “He has the quickest first step I’ve seen. He’s only a sophomore. He has as much potential to be amazing as anyone. It’s time for him to produce.”
