By Chris Parker
Licking boys basketball will look to make a run at the program’s first district title since 2015 behind three returning players who all averaged in double figures last season along with a deep supporting cast.
“Our biggest strength would be our experience at the varsity level along with our depth off the bench,” Licking head coach Phillip Gambill said. “We will have many options with our personnel which will allow us to play multiple ways throughout the season.”
Seniors Keyton Cook and Austin James will be the team’s leaders. Cook scored 16 points per game on his way to earning Frisco League MVP honors as a junior. James averaged 16.9 points per game while shooting 50.8% from the field last season.
Junior Roston Stockard gives Licking a third returning double-digit scorer after he averaged 10.5 points per game last season.
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The varsity will be supplemented by some players from last season’s junior varsity team that finished 20-2 overall.
While Licking has plenty of scoring, Gambill will look for his team to lock down on the defensive end.
“Our defense is an area of opportunity for us coming into the season. We have put the defense end of the ball as our top priority entering the season,” Gambill said. “I believe if we make it a priority each night to control the defense end of the ball along with controlling what we can control, then success will follow.”
Licking opens the regular season On Nov. 21 at home against Salem.
“Our goal is to master the little things of the game,” Gambill said. “We want to come out and win the effort battle each night, play hard-nosed on the defense end, and control the things we can control. Make adjustments and execute throughout games.”
