By Chris Parker
Niangua boys basketball finished 19-9 last year and advanced to the district championship game before falling by three points to Chadwick. The Cardinals are aiming to take another step forward this season behind an experienced core of players.
“Our biggest strength will be our experience,” Niangua head coach Kalem Copling said. “Most of these guys have been starting or seeing significant playing time since their freshman year. Last year we made it to the district championship game, losing to Chadwick by three. We want to use that and grow from that experience. These guys all love playing basketball and they love being in the gym together. These kids work hard in the off season and are looking to build a legacy of their own.”
Reigning Mark Twain Conference Player of the Year Ethan Scheetz returns to lead the Cardinals. He averaged 19.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.6 steals per game last season.
“Ethan has a really good knack for coming up big for us when we need him to,” Copling said. “He is really good about getting his own shot but also is our best passer, so he can get looks for his teammates as well.”
Clayton Henderson was named first-team all-conference after he scored 16.6 points per game with 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
“Clayton is really good about getting himself inside and finishing,” Copling said. “He also is one of our better shooters.”
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Evan Kochs makes it three returning all-conference seniors. He averaged 7.5 points, 9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.3 blocks per game on his way to honorable mention all-conference honors.
“Evan led us in rebounds and blocked shots last year,” Copling said. “He is really good about timing his jump and getting a hand on the ball. Evan is expected to make a big jump scoring this year.”
Ross Stuber rounds out the four-player senior class coming off a season where he averaged 2.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
“Ross will play a bigger role than in the previous season,” Copling said. “It might not show in the scoring column, but his presence will be felt on the defensive end.”
Tanier Dunn is a junior who scored 2.9 points with 3 rebounds per game as a sophomore.
“Tanier will also have a much larger role this year,” Copling said. “He showed glimpses last year of what he is capable of doing. We look forward to seeing his progression this year.”
Junior guard Kaleb Crouch also returns for his second season basketball.
“Kaleb played his first full season of basketball last year and we will continue to see growth through this year,” Copling said. “Kaleb is super speedy and we want to harness that speed this year.”
Travis Dixon got some varsity action last season, but will see an expanded role this year.
“Travis saw some varsity action last year, but this year he is starting to take steps to be able to help make a difference,” Copling said. “Travis is a great hustle player who is really coachable, one of those incredibly likable kids.”
Freshmen David Stuber and Avin Hamilton will look to make immediate varsity impacts.
“(Stuber) could see some varsity action this year. Has been working on his shot and figuring out what he needs to do to make an impact on the high school level,” Copling said. “(Hamilton) could also see some varsity action. Avin is getting used to high school basketball and we look forward to his development this year.”
Niangua opens the regular season on Nov. 20 at home against Humansville.
“I think this can be a special year for us,” Copling said. “I don’t like to put things out there, but with the team we have we are looking to take a step forward from last year. These guys are a great group of guys and I am proud of everything they have accomplished.”
