By Brennan Stebbins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Buffalo boys basketball team and head coach Kyle Gawlowski will have their work cut out for them this season as the Bison attempt to replace four starters and six lettermen from last year’s 10-17 squad.
That list of graduated players includes center Joseph Horinek, a three-year starter who earned first team All-Conference in the Ozark Highlands as well as All-District honors and led Buffalo in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. He averaged a double-double with 12.8 points and 11 rebounds. And second team All-Conference pick Rilye Phillips (7.3 PPG) also graduated. In total, the Bison must replace more than 33 points per game from a unit that averaged 47.
“A successful season for us will mean we have had a ton of growth throughout the season,” Gawlowksi said. “We have limited experience in our program, so our focus will be improving every day in every game, practice or drill that we are competing in. If our guys buy in, they will be a drastically improved team by the end of the season and we will be looking to upset some people come playoff time.”
Carson Shepperly is the team’s only senior this winter, and he’s also the only upperclassman with varsity experience. He played in 20 games last season and averaged 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds. Gawlowksi noted his “incredible basketball IQ” and said he’ll provide some needed leadership.
“This summer he has shown he is capable of being a strong point presence who can step out and stretch the defense and provide a calming presence for our underclassmen,” he said.
The rest of the team’s returning experience is in the sophomore class. Blair Abraham (6.0 PPG, 5.1 REB) showed his versatility last season and had emerged as the team’s second scorer and rebounder by the second half of the season. Gawlowski said he can score from three levels and dictates the game around him with his 6-foot-6 height advantage.
“He has incredible potential as he continues to work and mature,” he said.
Braden McGregor has shown greater athleticism and strength during offseason workouts after averaging four points and 2.1 rebounds as a freshman. Gawlowski said he’s capable of “putting up points in bunches and frustrating the other team’s best perimeter scorer.”
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And Matthew Skinner (1.9 PPG, 1.8 REB) brings a lot of physicality to the team, especially on the perimeter, and he’s got a “strong attacking style” on offense.
Varsity newcomers who could make an impact include 6-3 sophomore Dalton Bennett, an “athletic” forward who can also handle the ball on the perimeter. Junior Isaiah Mueller is a good communicator on defense and also offers perimeter shooting and ball handling skills. Sophomore Landon Mota has transferred from Hillcrest and is a “speedy” guard who showcases a solid pull up jumper.
Freshmen Isaiah Young, Brenden McGregor and Tray Aven also figure to contribute.
“We will be athletic with several players who enjoy getting up and down the floor and who have high shooting abilities,” Gawlowski said. “We will look to play an up-tempo style that relies on quick ball movement and aggressive attacks from all over the floor. Several of our players will be able to lead us in scoring on any given night.”
The team’s defensive ability remains an early question mark, with Gawlowski saying the “entire team needs to buy into the defensive end of the floor every night.” He expects early growing pains but wants to see the Bison become a “gritty team” that enjoys physical play with a reputation for applying lots of pressure.
“We will need to be the team that is aggressive on both ends of the floor and never lets our opponent take a break,” he said.
Buffalo will play in a jamboree at Aurora on Nov. 17 along with Pierce City and Crane. The Bison open the season in the Strafford Invitational Nov. 27 to Dec. 2, then travel to Eldon and Skyline before hosting their first game against Lamar on Dec. 14. They’ll play in the Blue & Gold Tournament in December and the Stockton Tournament in January.
Buffalo tied for third last year in the Ozark Highlands. The conference has added Versailles this season.
