By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Talk about a turnaround to a season. The Aurora boys basketball team started off 0-10 in 2023, but finished 10-8 and made its first district championship game appearance since 2016.
The Houn Dawgs were 10-18 overall a year ago and return one starter and five total lettermen this winter.
Six-foot-seven senior Dayton McHenry and 6-1 sophomore Cannon Thornhill will look to lead this year’s group. McHenry averaged 7.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists last season, while Thornhill contributed 7.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals.
“Dayton gained valuable experience at the varsity level last year,” said head coach Adam Thornhill, whose son is Cannon Thornhill. “He revealed some glimpses of what he’s capable of. He’s expected to add another dimension to our offensive attack.
“Cannon was a part-time starting guard last year with a strong offensive skill set, but also a very willing passer who sees the floor extremely well. He’s able to get to the rim but specializes in scoring from the outside.”
Landon Boatwright, a 6-1 junior, chipped in 3.2 points with one rebound, one assist and one steal as a sophomore. Coach Thornhill said Boatwright is an athletic guard who can be a nightmare for opponents on defense and looks to parlay his summer improvements into a breakout junior season.
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Thomas Lara (6-0 sophomore) comprises the rest of Aurora’s returnees.
“Thomas is an athletic guard, who is able to get to the rim and finish against bigger, older players,” Thornhill said. “He’s a defensive specialist who has an improved shot. Thomas is also a gritty player who will be looked to for leadership.”
Senior Tayler Hadlow (6-2) and juniors Jayden Carpenter (6-3), Seth Shoemaker (6-3) and Clayton Jaramillo and freshman Kaden Cole (5-9) look to compete for playing time at the varsity level.
Hadlow is a defensive specialist with an improved shot who will also look to provide leadership, Thornhill noted. Carpenter, a physical and athletic forward, comes off a standout summer and looks to breakout as a junior.
Thornhill said Shoemaker is a strong forward, who gives the Houn Dawgs depth in the frontcourt. The junior is also strong on the glass and is a good post defender with the ability to score. Along with being a skilled defender, Jaramillo is an athletic wing with the ability to get to the rim and finish against bigger defenders.
“Kaden is a fundamental guard who will be expected to contribute from day one,” Thornhill said. “Once acclimated to the varsity level, he could headline opposing team’s scouting reports.”
Even though Aurora, featuring a young roster, Thornhill said expectations have not wavered one bit.
“Our expectations are the same as every year,” Thornhill said. “We have a nice mix of some experience with a lot of young, talented and new faces. This group will be quick and capable of playing a very aggressive style on both ends. An improved inside game and stronger emphasis on the defensive side are exciting areas as well.”
The Houn Dawgs host a jamboree with Crane, Pierce City and Buffalo on Nov. 17. Aurora will open the season in the Clever Tournament on Nov. 27.
