By Chris Parker
Seymour boys basketball posted a second consecutive 19-8 season. The Tigers will have to have new players step up after graduating a talented senior group.
“We lack varsity experience this year,” Seymour head coach Chris Hastings said. “We have a lot of young guys battling for playing time who haven’t seen varsity minutes. It may take us some time to adjust to the speed of the game, but we look forward to the challenge. We believe we will be a difficult out for anybody come February.”
Derek Helms is one of the returning players for Seymour.
“Derek is a great playmaker on both sides of the ball. He has the ability to score at all three levels,” Hastings said. “We will rely on him having some big nights for us this year.”
Luke Rasmussen, Conner Young, Wyatt Henry, Truman Helms, Brayden Baker, Reece Hepko, Wyatt Ellison and Noah Powers are all players in the mix for varsity playing time.
Hastings on Rasmussen: “Luke is a tough player that is willing to do whatever it takes for this team to be successful. He’s a great leader and will be the floor general for us this year.”
Hastings on Young: “Conner is an undersized post who looks forward to the opportunity and challenge of guarding guys much bigger. His ability to shoot the ball will help stretch the defense and make it easier for others to attack the lane.”
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Hastings on Henry: “Wyatt is a tall guard that has the ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the floor. His length will cause matchup problems for smaller guards.”
Hastings on Helms: “Very skilled player with a high IQ. We will count on him having some big games for us this year.”
Hastings on Baker: “Gritty defender. One of our best on ball defenders.”
Hastings on Hepko: “Tough player that won’t be scared to battle with the older guys on a varsity level.”
Hastings on Ellison: “One of the team’s best shooters.”
Hastings on Powers: “Utility guy. Hard worker.”
“Our biggest strength this year is how hard these guys work every single day,” Hastings said, “They all have great attitudes with a winning mindset. They want success for each other.”
Seymour opens the regular season on Nov. 20 at home against Bradleyville.
“I hope the reputation of our team is that we play hard every second of the game. We strive to be a very disciplined team that limits mistakes that could cost us a game,” Hastings said. “I want to see our team make great strides from the first week of practice to playing our best basketball in February. We have the leadership and the buy in to have a great season. I look forward to coaching this team.”
