By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
During the offseason, coach John Schaefer met with senior-to-be Scott Metz and discussed next season’s potential lineup.
If Metz wanted a prominent role on the team, the 6’6” post player had to get in better shape.
“We had a conversation with him and basically said, ‘We can play five guards, or we can play four guards and one (post). What do you want to be, Scott?’” Schaefer said.
Challenge accepted.
A slimmer, more agile Metz is a big reason why the Wildcats are district champions once again.
Logan-Rogersville cruised to a 70-35 victory over Mountain Grove on Saturday afternoon in the Class 4 District 11 Tournament championship game.
“It’s definitely more satisfying than last year, because I feel like I contributed more and I’m a senior now,” Metz said. “It’s more special. We have a great group of guys and coaches.”
Logan-Rogersville will travel to Seneca (19-8 overall) on Tuesday, March 5 for a Class 4 sectional matchup. The Wildcats beat Seneca 71-54 on Feb. 13 in the regular season meeting between the two Big 8 schools.
On Saturday, Logan-Rogersville celebrated its sixth district title in seven seasons in business-like fashion. Schaefer doesn’t want his players to overlook the sustained success.
“You like that (calm attitude), but you also don’t want them to miss out on the excitement and realize what you’re doing,” Schaefer said. “We talked to them during the week and said, ‘How many teams across the state right now would love to be where you’re at? Don’t take it for granted.’ And they don’t, it just probably feels different playing at home rather than on the road.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
Metz, who scored 15 in Saturday’s win, shed about 40 pounds over the summer. It was a simple diet: less sugar and fast foods, more weightlifting.
“I haven’t had nearly as many joint problems,” Metz said. “Obviously, I can (jump) a little bit better and get some more dunks. It’s definitely a little easier to move.”
Metz’s breakout season has been vital for the Wildcats (25-3 overall), who graduated a pair of rugged post players last season in Curry Sutherland and Keegun Daniels.
“He’s not the same human being as he was,” Schaefer said of Metz’s weight loss. “We had guys in front of him, and we just couldn’t get him a lot of time in those spots. It was a physical, senior-heavy team and Scott just hadn’t reached that level yet. He’s really worked hard to improve himself.”
The Wildcats’ youngest player, freshman point guard Chase Branham, has also had a noteworthy season.
He scored 17 on Saturday, including a five-point spurt in the final minute of the first quarter as Logan-Rogersville began to pull away.
“He’s been a spark all year,” Schaefer said. “He’s a go-to guy when we’re looking for a big shot. He can shoot it. He’s probably one of our better shooters – and scorers.”
Bryce Marshall’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the second quarter put Logan-Rogersville ahead 36-22 at halftime. Jase Pettifurd scored nine of his 11 points in the second half.
Logan-Rogersville limited Mtn. Grove to its third-lowest point total of the season.
“That’s a big thing with Coach Schaefer: He wants us to be physical,” said Wildcats senior Ross Lawrence, who finished with eight points. “That’s every single practice and every game. When we come out here and we’re physical, a lot of the teams we play aren’t nearly as physical so that contributes a lot to our wins.”
Senior point guard Brylon Mayberry led Mtn. Grove with 11 points. He suffered an ankle injury late in the first half and did not return to the game.
Mtn. Grove finishes with its best record (13-14 overall) since 2019. The Panthers graduate eight seniors.
Logan-Rogersville 70, Mtn. Grove 35
Mtn. Grove 12 10 13 0 — 35
Logan-Rogersville 19 17 24 10 — 70
Mtn. Grove (13-14 overall) – Brylon Mayberry 11, Payton Shannon 6, Samuel Peterson 6, Aden Estep 4, Brody Emery 4, Carson Allen 2, Trace Devries 2
Logan-Rogersville (25-3 overall) – Chase Branham 17, Scott Metz 15, Jase Pettifurd 11, Ross Lawrence 8, Dane Smith 5, Bryce Marshall 5, Stewart McDonald 4, Beau Watts 3, Marcus Moore 2
