By Chris Parker
Everton was a young team last year, which led to a winless season in the first year under coach Caleb Daniels.
“We had a rough season last year, there’s no doubt or excuses for that. I really think it helped to motivate and drive these athletes to want to come out and prove to everyone that they are not the same team that they were last year,” Daniels said. “I will say that I see a different mindset in my players this year and we have made a lot of changes. I’m just really excited to see what this team can do come November.”
Experience gained last year should help in the wins column this year with many key players returning.
At the head of that group are junior Brady Gladden and sophomore Mason Morris.
“Brady and Mason will bring a very high basketball IQ,” Daniels said. “Brady was our leading scorer last season and was our main ball handler. Mason is honestly just a born leader. Mason led our team last year in rebounds and also always has a positive attitude. He’s a coachable kid that works hard and is constantly encouraging his teammates.”
Gladden averaged 9.3 points per game while Morris pulled down 14.6 rebounds per game.
Braydon Schultz (senior), Noah Shearer (junior), Lane Wood (sophomore), Zayn Powers (sophomore) and Rex Mueting (sophomore) also return for Everton.
Daniels on Schultz: “He will bring a strong defensive presence and also has the ability to stretch the floor with his speed and jumping ability.”
Daniels on Shearer: “He has a very high basketball IQ and puts himself in a good position to score.”
Daniels on Wood: “He is a very quick and shifty guard that can switch direction with the ball quickly. He has been working on getting his eyes up all summer to see the floor better and could be a big contributor this year in our offense and defense.”
Daniels on Powers: “Has been a gym rat this summer and has worked on his outside shot. He will definitely have a role in our outside shooting game this season.”
Daniels on Mueting: “Was a defensive standout last year and is a solid kid that isn’t afraid to stand in the lane on defense and take a charge.”
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Freshmen could contribute quickly to the varsity team including Wylie Vigesaa, James Grisham and Noah Morris.
Daniels on Vigesaa: “He is a 5’11 athlete that is super coachable. This kid makes smart passes and plays all-out effort defense. I really think he offers us a great option to bring in to help make stops on defense, and he won’t make a lot of silly mistakes that will cause us to beat ourselves.”
Daniels on Grisham: “He is a big kid that is honestly much needed in the paint. We have been lacking a big presence inside, and he is just the guy we need to not only use on offense to open things up but also a big guy to plug up that middle in our defense.”
Daniels on Morris: “Noah is 6’1 and is also another big guy who has good ball control for a big guy. Noah could see some playing time on the varsity this year to help solidify the post game.”
That post play will be key for Everton to turn things around this season.
“Our biggest strength this season will be our post,” Daniels said. “We plan to utilize our size to our advantage this season. We have decent size for a small school team. I think this will be beneficial for us and a great asset since we have been a smaller team for the past couple seasons.”
Youth will still be something the Tigers have to overcome.
“We have continued to work and make strides towards our basketball IQ and this is honestly where we have lacked those older players that can really impress on the younger athletes the importance of basketball know-how,” Daniels said. “As a coach, we try to continue to teach and share our knowledge with them, but it’s just not the same as having veteran teammates who share with them those insights.”
Everton opens the season Nov. 19-23 at the Verona Tournament where the Tigers will look to start their turnaround.
“I want our team to be monsters on the boards this year and a wall on defense,” Daniels said. “I want other teams to have to go and beat us and not beat ourselves. We have the ability to be the team that no one wants to play, just because we can play physical basketball.”
