By Chris Parker
Pierce City jumped from three wins two years ago to 12 wins last season. Experience was key for the nine-win jump.
“Experience, leadership, and hard work were key components for us last season,” Pierce City head coach Derrion Donson said. “We were inexperienced two years ago and were trying to learn a new style of play. They bought into what we were trying to do as a program, and they all played their role. We had a great group of seniors who did a good job leading the team last season as well. Our guys showed up each day and worked to get better, and it paid off. It was a step in the right direction for our program.”
Seven players with varsity experience return led by second-team all-conference junior Emmitt Price. He averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game.
“Emmitt struggled a little his freshman year and did not want the same outcome. He got in the weight room and worked on his game in the off-season. He played his role on the team, and his teammates did the same and it helped his success,” Donson said. “I have expectations for Emmitt and everyone else on the team. I will hold them all to a high standard to do things right, and with great effort. I will look for Emmitt to be a leader of our team, and challenge him to increase his production on both sides of the ball.”
Judah Linn (senior), Quortin Parks (junior), Layton Mack (junior), Luke Perry (junior), Austin Beaty (senior) and Carson Jesperson (junior) are the other returning players.
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Junior Kyler McWilliams and Logan Witt will be newcomers to the varsity level along with a deep freshman class.
“We have a great group of freshmen coming in this season,” Donson said. “Some of them have the potential to find a role for us at the varsity level. They all work hard and want to be successful.”
Pierce City opens the regular season on Nov. 21 at home against Southwest.
“There are many goals that I want us to accomplish this season, but the main thing I want to see our guys do is compete every day,” Donson said. “If we work hard like I know we can, then we will find success.”
