By Chris Parker
Blue Eye boys basketball enters the second season under head coach Trae Patton coming off a 14-14 season.
Patton had a lot of experience as an assistant under former head coach Kyle Turner, but there was still a learning curve as the head coach.
“I was fortunate to be an assistant under Kyle Turner for nine years and I learned a lot from him, he also gave me control of the of the JV program which I believe helped prepare me,” Patton said. “But I think one the biggest changes are the day to day tasks that take up more time than I originally expected. As well as going against some really good coaches night in and night out that have been coaching for a long time and have been in a lot of different situations multiple times. It can be hard to surprise them.”
Blue Eye graduated four seniors and its two leading scorers from last year leading to plenty of opportunities for the remaining players.
“I think the biggest differences from this year from last year is figuring out new roles and a new identity as a team” Patton said. “We graduated four seniors last year and our top two leading scores, so replacing them will be a challenge, but it allows a lot of opportunity for this year’s group of boys to earn spots and earn new roles. This year’s team is embracing the opportunity and has worked really hard in the offseason.”
Colton Spinning (senior), Brady Isbell (junior), Braden Johnson (senior), Cam Fultz (senior), Aiden Estes (senior), Mason Phillips (senior) and Cayden Murray (senior) are the returning players for Blue Eye.
Patton on Spinning: “Colton is our returning point guard. He received all-conference honorable mention last year. He is an athletic guard and hard worker who put time this offseason to improve his skills. He has continued to grow as a leader both on and off the floor.”
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Patton on Isbell: “Brady is a returning starter who versatile plays extremely hard on both sides of the floor and plays with a contagious energy. Brady has also worked hard in the offseason to expand his game offensively.”
Patton on Johnson: “Braden is a returning starter who is an athletic guard and a great defender. Braden does a great job being vocal and communicating on defense. During the offseason he has worked hard on improving his skills.”
Patton on Fultz: “He leads by example and has put in a lot of work this offseason to improve his skills. He will compete for playing time at the guard position.”
Patton on Estes: “(He is) a hard worker and who has focused on improving his skills this offseason. He will compete for playing time inside.”
Patton on Phillips: “A good shooter who can help stretch the floor. (He is) a hard worker that put in time this offseason to improve his skills on both sides of the floor. He will compete for playing time at the guard position.”
Patton on Murray: “A good athlete who plays with a lot of energy. He will compete for playing time inside.”
Sophomores Riley Snowden, Beau Brown, Brayden Bettlach and Isaac Harper along with freshmen Braxton Bell, Joey Feagans, Broan Hartsell and Baily LeStage will be newcomers to watch. Senior Pablo Quintanilla is another newcomer who will compete for playing time in the post.
“I think our biggest strength this year will be how close this year’s team is. They have been playing with each other since they were in grade school and genuinely enjoy playing together and push our team first agenda,” Patton said. “As a coach I hope we are known for our hard work, competitiveness, and doing things the right way.”
Blue Eye opens the regular season Nov. 18-22 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic.
“I feel our schedule and conference will again be very competitive night in and night out just as it has been since I have been here,” Patton said. “We have a lot of great coaches and many of the teams return most of their starters from last year’s team so we will have to come ready to compete on a nightly basis.”
