By Chris Parker
Marion C. Early (Morrisville) boys basketball has high expectations entering the 2023-24 season. The Panthers bring back a senior core of players led b a pair of players who averaged 17 points per game from last season’s 18-10 team.
“We have a strong returning core and I think that experience will be a big part of our success,” Morrisville head coach Jonathan Winslow said. “Having a point guard and a post that were both returning gives us a solid foundation.”
Jacob Presley comes back for his senior year after averaging a double-double last season of 17.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
“Jacob had a really strong junior season for us,” Winslow said. “He is a long athletic kid who impacts the game on both ends. He averaged a double-double last year with points and rebounds as well as almost three blocks a game. He can score in the post from mid-range and has improved his three-point shooting. He is a hard worker and should be a big part of our team this year.”
Landen Burrow returns after averaging 17.4 points, 4.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2 steals per game last season.
“Landen had a good junior season,” Winslow said. “He is our point guard, so he has the ball in his hand a lot. He is a great finisher at the basket for his size and also shoots the three pretty well. Expect him to continue to improve as a floor leader and be a big part of our team this year.”
Ben Lewis and Wyatt Mitchell also return for their senior seasons.
Lewis scored 4 points per game with 2.7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
“Ben really came on in the second half of the year last year,” Winslow said. “He developed into our best defender and usually guarded the other team’s best perimeter player. Although outsized by most of them, he more than held his own. His offense improved toward the end of the season, and I expect him to contribute more points this season.”
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Mitchell added 3.1 points and 3 rebounds per game.
“Wyatt started a few games last year and contributed a lot,” Winslow said. “He is a good three-point shooter and has improved other areas of his game. I expect him to have a strong senior season.”
Coltin Jett saw varsity action as a sophomore and will see his role expand as a junior.
“Coltin played in several varsity games and stepped in to play more several times when people were inured or sick,” Winslow said. “I expect him to be a big part of what we do this year. He is very athletic kid with a lot of upside and gives us a little more size.”
Morrisville has a host of other newcomers that Winslow identified as players to watch including Gavin McKinney (freshman), Kohyn Raney (freshman), Keegan Back (freshman), Kolton Arthur (junior), Blake Salyer (sophomore), Dakota Grant (senior) and Dereck Arthur (senior).
Winslow on McKinney: “Gavin has a chance to contribute on the varsity level. He has a high basketball IQ and shoots the ball really well. He has to get stronger and better defensively.”
Winslow on Raney: “Kohyn is another freshman with a lot of potential his offense is ahead of his defense but he has a chance to contribute on the varsity level.”
Winslow on Back: “Keegan is a very athletic kid who is just starting to figure out how to be a basketball player. He has improved a lot and just needs to be more confident.”
Winslow on Kolton Arthur: “Kolton has a chance to contribute to our varsity team this year. He has continued to improve offensively and should be able to help on the defensive end especially.”
Winslow on Salyer: “Blake is an athletic kid who sees the floor well and passes the ball well. If he becomes more consistent with his shot he has a chance to help us.”
Winslow on Grant: “Dakota is a hard worker and great teammate who knows what we are trying to do and will push us in practice and has a chance to contribute this year.”
Winslow on Dereck Arthur: “Dereck is a strong kid who played a little varsity last year. He is a solid defender and rebounder.”
Blending the newcomers in with the returning players will be a key mission early in the season.
“How quickly we can get the newcomers especially the freshman acclimated to high school basketball will be a big key,” Winslow said. “We need to improve our team rebounding and our free throw shooting.”
Morrisville opens the regular season with its home tournament Nov. 27 through Dec. 2.
“A successful season is seeing us play up to our potential, learn to be a team and work together to achieve our goals,” Winslow said. “I hope our reputation is that we are well coached, disciplined and tough. Also hope we have a reputation as competitors who treat people with respect and demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.”
