By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Whenever a new coach takes over a program, there are going to be some growing pains.
Add a new system into the mix and the transition becomes even more challenging.
The Marshfield boys basketball team was no exception to that, finishing its first season under head coach John Cherne III with a 12-15 record. But with the majority of its starters returning — and familiar with what’s expected of them — Marshfield could be a team to watch this winter.
“Our biggest issue a year ago was transitioning from a zone team traditionally to a man-to-man team,” Cherne said. “I still believe that being able to play man-to-man is necessary to playing a good effective zone. Thus, we have drilled over the summer stopping the ball and containing it.”
Five of Marshfield’s losses were by six or fewer points, meaning one-third of all of its defeats came in two-possession games. That will also be an area of emphasis for the Bluejays this year.
“We need to figure out how to win those games,” Cherne said. “Well, it starts in daily practice competing against each other. This is where we must show our greatest improvements this season. We need to compete in practices harder and those close wins will take care of themselves over time.”
Cherne will return to an experienced group of players to help set that tempo.
The Bluejays have one of the region’s top talents in junior Tegan Curley, a 6-foot-7 forward who is verbally committed to the Austin Peay University program coached by former Missouri State associate head coach Corey Gipson. Curley averaged 11.9 points and a team-best 6.7 rebounds as a sophomore, earning a spot on the all-conference team.
“His aggressiveness on defense and offensive explosiveness will improve as the season unfolds,” Cherne said. “Tegan will be an exciting player to watch in the area.”
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Curley is joined by a four-player senior class consisting of Merrick Dennis, Jackson Gardner, Silas Massey and Jacob Carr. Dennis and Garndner both started at guard last season.
Dennis averaged 10.9 points per game, second-most among returning Bluejays.
“Merrick has improved with his control and understanding of the game,” Cherne said. “Him finishing will be a contributing factor to our success this season. Tough-hard nosed player who compliments others.”
Gardner was primarily known for his defensive play last winter, but he’ll be asked to help out on offense as the Bluejays look to replace Class of 2023 graduates Bryant Bull and Zach Mings.
“Jackson has improved his shooting and looking to score during this off season,” Cherne said. “His anticipation on defense will help us greatly. He goes and goes with his energy. Fun to watch play the game.”
Massey (6-foot-4) and Carr (6-foot-3) both bring size to Marshfield’s lineup. They combined to average about six points and four rebounds per game last season, but — like Gardner — will look to take on some of the duties previously held by the Class of 2023.
“Just like any graduating class, losing Zach and Bryant will leave vacancies that need to be filled,” Cherne said. “However, in establishing a next-man-up mentality, we need players to fill those voids. Again, our challenge is to get our kids to compete daily against each other and up the level of play. Fundamentals will be emphasized daily and over time our athletes will figure things out and compete at a higher level. It is our coaching staff’s responsibility to place our kids in situations where they can improve themselves and as teammates.”
Sophomores Carson Adams, Dax Baker and Hunter Fryman will also look to earn varsity playing time this season. Fryman is a Missouri baseball verbal commit who is battling back from a collarbone injury suffered during Marshfield’s football season.
“How his physical therapy progresses will determine how he comes along basketball-wise,” Cherne said. “His athleticism is exceptional and he can cause teams issues.”
Several freshmen will also have the opportunity to crack the varsity lineup.
“Scoring wise, we need to figure out how to do so consistently — where everyone contributes,” Cherne said. “Making the easy pass and easy read will be one of our biggest challenges. Defensively, as we continue to improve in man to man, applying pressure on our opponents will be a big hurdle to overcome. Leadership-wise, we are moving in the right direction with our culture and consistency. Just need to figure out how to get it done when it counts.”
The Bluejays will host Central and Spokane for a jamboree on November 14. Their first regular-season game is scheduled for November 21 at Forsyth, while their home opener is December 12 against Camdenton.
This will also be Marshfield’s final season in the Big 8 Conference, as the Bluejays are one of the teams set to join the new Ozark Mountain Conference next fall.
“We are excited that we have the opportunity to play schools with similar class sizes,” Cherne said. “Long-term-wise, by playing these larger schools it will assist us in postseason seeding due to similar classifications. Being a part of the Big 8 Conference has given us great competition and rivalries. Southwest Missouri basketball is challenging regardless of classification due to there being so many quality players and coaches in the area. One of our goals each year is to compete at a high level in our conference, this season is no different than any other year. Marshfield boys basketball is enthusiastic for opportunities presented to play some of the same opponents, while establishing and growing other rivalries with different schools in the new Ozark Mountain Conference.”
