By Chris Parker
Dadeville boys basketball had its best season in many years winning 21 games and the program’s first district title since 2011 last winter.
“Last year we were fortunate to have a great mix of players who really bought in and excelled in their individual roles and responsibilities,” Dadeville head coach Curtis Collins said. “Our scorers improved their offensive games and our team as a whole really locked into the new defensive system that we implemented. We knew we had to make some adjustments after coming up short the previous season, and our guys executed that vision at a high level. We really preach sacrifice and a team-first work ethic, and I think that was evident in the way our guys competed on the court.”
Aidan Jarman returns for his senior season after he led the team in rebounds, blocks, steals and assists while finishing second in scoring. He averaged 18.7 points, 8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.6 blocks and 2.7 steals per game.
“Aidan doesn’t cheat the game of basketball or cut corners. He attacks every part of the game with maximum effort and competitiveness. If it’s a drill, practice, or a game, Aidan takes it seriously. His well-rounded play is just a reflection of the work he puts in every day,” Collins said.
With the graduation of key players, Jarman will be looked to for even more production this season.
“The changes in Aidan’s role will be primarily the added time that the ball is in his hand,” Collins said. “He will have the same responsibilities as last season but with more opportunities to impact each possession.”
Brayden Garver (senior guard), Peyton Garver (sophomore center), Kaleb Getman (junior guard) and Chayse Coose (sophomore forward) also return.
CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL OF THE WINTER PREVIEWS
Collins on Brayden Garver: “Brayden is a veteran player in our program who brings toughness and defense along with his ability to get to the rim.”
Collins on Peyton Garver: “Peyton has grown his game a lot since last season and provides us with a talented scorer around the rim and in the mid-range.”
Collins on Kaleb Getman: “We get some much-needed floor spacing when Kaleb is on the floor. He has found his role as a shooter for us who can also make some plays off of the dribble.”
Collins on Coose: “Chayse is a natural rebounder and disruptor around the rim. His ability to get us second-chance points is a huge weapon.”
Aiden McGill (sophomore forward), Briar Clift (freshman forward), Gavin Orr (junior guard) and Brayden Ryan (sophomore center) will be newcomers.
Collins on McGill: “Aiden has the ability to play off-ball or with the ball in his hand, which gives us a lot of versatility when he is on the floor. He provides us with some added scoring that will help balance our rotation.”
Collins on Clift: “Briar is a good athlete who plays big and can hold up defending most positions. His mid-range shot and driving ability will also help us out on the offensive end.”
Collins on Orr: “Gavin is one of the top three-point shooters on our team and is a constant threat when he is on the court.”
Collins on Ryan: “Brayden has found a role with us as a skilled big man who can spread the floor out to three-point range.”
Dadeville has won at least 14 games in four straight seasons, which has helped the players gain experience playing in big games.
“I believe our experience from playing in high-level games over the past two seasons will be our greatest strength as we get into the late parts of this season,” Collins said. “We have a healthy balance of talented veterans and young players who know how to win which I think will pay off as the season develops.”
Dadeville opens the season on Nov. 17 at Sheldon.
“We have played in the district championship game each of the past two seasons, and our goal is to put ourselves in that game again with an opportunity to bring another championship back to Dadeville,” Collins said.
