By Chris Parker
Pierce City boys basketball is looking to bounce back from a three-win campaign a year ago with several key players returning.
Seniors Zane Clayton and Clayten O’Hara along with sophomore Emmitt Price are all candidates to be leaders on this team according to head coach Derrion Donson.
Donson on Clayton: “was our leading scorer and rebounder last season. He has been a starter the last two seasons and brings experience, work ethic, and great leadership to our team.”
Donson on O’Hara: “Clayten has been a varsity starter the last two years. He is one of our best defenders, and a threat in the offense, as he was one of our leading scorers last season.”
Donson on Price: “has a year of experience under his belt and has made good progress to his game this off-season. I expect him to play a big role this season.”
O’Hara averaged 7.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season. Clayton scored 7.4 points per game to go with 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2 steals per game. Price chipped in 3 points per game with 2 rebounds and assists per contest as a freshman.
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Tyler Johnson (senior guard), Austin Beaty (junior forward), Judah Linn (junior guard), Quortin Parks (sophomore guard) and Carson Jespersen (sophomore forward) all return to the team.
Donson on Johnson: “is a returning starter who works hard and brings a good perimeter presence.”
Donson on Beaty: “Will be a big part of our offense. He has a good skillset and will help us with scoring and rebounding.”
Donson on Linn: “was one of our most improved players last season. He finished the season playing well, and with a year of experience I look forward to him starting where he left off last season and to contribute early.”
Donson on Parks: “He is a quick, athletic player on both ends of the floor and will be challenged to be one of our best defenders this season.”
Donson on Jespersen: “Is a hard-working player who brings physicality and size.”
Kyler McWilliams (sophomore guard), Luke Perry (sophomore forward) and Layton Mack (sophomore guard) will be newcomers to watch.
“All of these players have an opportunity to help us at the varsity level,” Donson said. “I look forward to these guys stepping up and competing each day for a spot to help us be successful this season.”
As a whole, defense will be a strong suit.
“Our greatest strength this season will be our defense and effort when we are on the floor,” Donson said. “There are always skills that our team can be doing to improve our success, but the biggest focus needs to be cutting down turnovers. I think if we take care of the turnovers then we can have success with what we want to accomplish.”
Pierce City opens the season on Nov. 22 at Southwest.
“I will have high expectations for our team this year,” Donson said. “There are many expectations that I will have this year, but overall, we need to work hard, give great effort, and enjoy playing the game of basketball.”
