By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
McDonald County improved its win total to 15-12 in 2023, marking the program’s most successful season since 2016.
The Mustangs also reclaimed the title of Big 8 West Conference champions for the first time in 39 years. McDonald County bid farewell to one of the best backcourts in the Big 8, with Conference Player of the Year Sterling Woods and all-conference performer Cross Dowd graduating.
One senior class departs, while another is expected to step in and take on more significant roles.
“We have graduated back-to-back senior classes that stepped into and flourished in their leadership roles,” head coach Brandon Joines said. “I fully expect this year’s senior class to do much of the same. Their leadership is displayed through their work ethic and willingness to bring intensity on the defensive end of the floor.”
It starts with Josh Pacheco. The 6-foot-3 forward averaged 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.0 assists in 2023.
“Josh is a lengthy forward with tremendous athleticism that allows him to make special plays on the floor,” Joines said. “His impactful presence and improved consistency on both ends of the floor will be a key factor for our team. His leadership abilities on and off the floor will be vital to our team’s success.”
Another senior, Destyn Dowd, contributed 7.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and nearly one steal. The 6-1 guard has been one of the top quarterbacks in the area on the gridiron the last two years.
“Destyn is a fantastic defender with smart instincts that allow him to guard mostly any position on the floor,” Joines said. “His ability to supplement his defensive skill with offensive production will be a major key for our team to reach our goals.”
Six-foot-four senior Toby Moore chipped in 6.5 rebounds and 5.6 points last season for McDonald County.
“Toby is a solid presence inside that offers us size and physicality to match opposing posts and presents an offensive matchup that opposing teams cannot ignore,” Joines said. “His ability to finish around the rim and clear the glass routinely will be essential to our success.”
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Anthony D’Amico, a 6-1 junior, will see an expanded role this season. Joines said D’Amico has the ability to put points on the board, but developing consistent production and improving on defense will be essential.
Cael Carlin, a 6-0 sophomore, will assume the role of point guard for the Mustangs. Joines mentioned that Carlin possesses great court vision, and his ability to boost scoring production while involving others will be his primary offensive objective.
Sam Barton (6-1 senior), Cory Tuttle (6-2 senior) and Tim Pagel (6-3 junior) will also see varsity minutes.
“Sam is a hard-working, hustle-oriented player with fantastic defensive effort that leads to his offensive opportunities,” Joines said. “His ability and eagerness to defend opponent’s top guards make him a tremendous asset.
“Cory is a player with solid space awareness that allows us another post presence off the bench to be a threat inside and on the glass. Tim is a post with solid length that has progressed throughout the summer through hard work and hustle to give himself opportunities to succeed.”
Joines said this year’s team will be different from 2023.
“Athletically, we have very diverse skill sets that we hope to utilize and spur us to success,” Joines said. “Unlike years past, our primary varsity experience will be at the forward and center positions, which requires us to utilize the defensive end of the floor to generate offensive opportunities and take some pressure off our guards as they get increasingly comfortable at the varsity level.
“Our grit, hustle and will-to-win must rise up to match the goals we wish to accomplish this season as guys get more comfortable in their expanded or returning roles.”
McDonald County will jamboree with Neosho and Webb City at Neosho on Nov. 16. The Mustangs host Joplin in their season opener on Nov. 21.
