By Chris Parker
School of the Ozarks boys basketball returns five players who averaged between 4.8 and 9 points per game for last season’s 7-16 team.
Senior Caleb Widner led that returning group with 9 points per game and 3.3 rebounds and 2 steals.
“Caleb is athletic and likes to get to the rim,” School of the Ozarks coach Jerry Martin said. “He was our top scorer last season. We’ll need that and his top-notch leadership.”
Josiah Martin, a junior, scored 6.3 points per game with 3.2 rebounds.
“Si is a returning starter and is a relentless competitor,” Coach Martin said. “He will give us solid defense, extra needed scoring and rebounding. He broke a school record last year in charges drawn.”
Shad Thompson, a senior, added in 5.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
“Shad has a high motor and excels on defense,” Coach Martin said. “He is a competitive rebounder and always gives us the energy we need. Shad along with the two other seniors gives us one of the best leader groups I have coached.”
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Graham Wilhoit, a senior, is the top returning rebounder at 6.4 per game to go with 5.6 points per game.
“Graham was our leading rebounder last year and should be better this year as a senior,” Coach Martin said. “(We are) looking for him to score more around the rim as well. Graham is also an outstanding leader.”
Timba Saffle rounds out the returning players with 4.8 points per game.
“Timba got a lot of valuable experience as a freshman last year and will give us stability at the point,” Coach Martin said. “His quickness will help us with pressure and he is a solid shooter.”
Juniors Scott Carswell and Briggs Wilhoit will be newcomers to the varsity lineup.
“We are not big, but we move pretty well, so we’ll try to use that to our advantage,” Martin said. “With four starters being juniors and senior we have sound experience, and they are a cohesive group, so this year will come down to execution.”
School of the Ozarks opens the regular season on Nov. 17 at Humansville.
“I want us to be noticeably hard workers and competitive but also noticeably good natured and sportsmanlike, because we keep things in perspective. We certainly want them to strive to win while not being caught up with it,” Coach Martin said. “I want to see human growth and development in them. Teamwork, adversity management, physical challenges overcome, a never give up attitude, and specifically for basketball: improvement. Even if it’s only marginal at times. Not only in skill but in basketball understanding. You can’t win until you improve, you can’t keep winning if you’re not getting better either, because others are improving. So, we have to get better game to game.”
