By Chris Parker
Blayne Armstrong takes over as head coach of the Billings boys basketball program this season. This is his first head coaching job, but previously has coached at Willard, West Plains and Mountain Grove.
“The kids, people, and community are what ultimately drove me towards Billings. Our kids work hard and the community supports the kids,” Armstrong said.
Billings went 11-18 overall with an 0-7 conference record last season.
This year’s team doesn’t bring in a lot of experience, so their ability to adapt to the varsity game will determine the success of the season.
“Growth is going to determine whether or not we are successful this season with us being so inexperienced,” Armstrong said. “We will be playing a lot of new guys that don’t have past varsity experience so I’d say maturity will be a big key for us this year.”
Seniors Grant Heimer, Kameron Clark and Noah Woody along with juniors Colin Moore, Brock Garbee and Dylan Edwards will be the team’s upperclassmen.
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Armstrong on Heimer: “Grant will be looked at to fill a lot of roles for us. He will be a leader for us on and off the court. His competitiveness will show on both the offensive and defensive ends.”
Armstrong on Clark: “Kameron is a quick, strong, athletic guard for us that will help dictate the pace of the game. He will be a great defender for us this year.”
Armstrong on Woody: “Noah is a player that can space the floor for us by making shots. He will fill our 3 and D role.”
Armstrong on Moore: “Colin is a tall, lanky athlete who finishes well around the rim. He will be looked at to create second chances and clean up around the glass.
Armstrong on Garbee: “Brock is a very high IQ basketball player that will be leaned upon to handle the basketball and make good decisions when doing so.”
Armstrong on Edwards: “Dylan has the potential to fill a big role for us in using his physicality around the rim. He is someone who can guard the other team’s best player and do the dirty work around the rim.”
Sophomore Brock Harter along with freshmen Justin Bos, Chance Shaffer and Kaiden Blakemore will be some underclassmen to watch this season.
Armstrong on Harter: “Brock has had a tremendous offseason and has developed physically. He continues to grow and will be a force in the paint in the near future.”
Armstrong on Bos: “Justin has the potential to fill a role and be great defensively for us due to how athletic he is.”
Armstrong on Shaffer: “Chance will be looked to handle the ball for us a majority of the time. He is a player who can change the momentum of a game in multiple ways.”
Armstrong on Blakemore: “Kaiden is a coachable kid who isn’t scared to guard. His ability to hit open 3’s will stretch the floor.”
Billings opens the regular season on Nov. 20 at New Covenant.
