By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A new face will patrol the Mountain View-Birch Tree Liberty basketball sideline this winter.
Following an 18-12 finish in 2023, head coach Justin Harrill takes over the reins for the Eagles this season.
“These kids had a great year last year and we return some starters who I believe can keep us going in a positive direction,” Harrill said.
Liberty will be led by all-conference and all-district honoree Terrell Gaines.
Gaines, a senior Austin Peay commit, averaged 27.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals per contest last season.
“We have a great player in Terrell, and he can impact a game in so many ways,” Harrill said. “He has a really good chance of breaking the all-time scoring record at our school.”
Gaines will be joined by a trio of fellow returnees in senior Carter Pruett, senior Brody Rutledge and junior Gavin Reese.
“Terrell and Carter are our leaders,” Harrill said. “These two guys work well together and are great leaders on and off the floor. I think our other players have to adjust to each team’s game plan and learn how they can make an impact in the game.”
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF THE WINTER PREVIEWS
Varsity newcomers include Cole Mathews, Adrian Pendegraft, Drayton Wells and Alex Tune.
“I believe that this group of players has the potential to win a lot of basketball games,” Harrill said. “If we can come together as a team we can accomplish some big things.”
Harrill believes his team’s athleticism and versatility will play big dividends this season.
“I think that we have potential to play fast, and slow if we need to,” Harrill said. “We should be very athletic and be able to run up and down. Our biggest X-factor will be defending. We have to learn how to get stops in key situations and take pride on the defensive end.”
Liberty opens the season Nov. 30 at Summersville.
