By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
JJ Adamson is entering his third season at Willard and the Tigers saw their win total double from his first to second season with an 18-win season that saw Willard advance to the district semifinals.
You’d have to go back to 2014 to find the last time the program won more games than that and with three starters returning, expectations are high for the Tigers.
“We are extremely proud of last year’s group,” said Adamson. “They doubled their win total from our previous season and only lost back-to-back games one time all season long. I think last year’s success is a direct result of the character on last year’s roster and I think that character will be exemplified by this year’s bunch also.
“We talk to our guys all the time about trying to learn how to deal with life through the game of basketball. Life isn’t easy. Failure and adversity lie around every corner. Life doesn’t care how you feel. Life is hard. But, if you can develop the skills to deal with failure, adversity, success and the multitude of other obstacles life throws your direction through playing basketball at Willard High School, that’s a win. A huge win.”
Seniors Braxton Boyer and Blake Daughtery, as well as junior Jonathan Huskisson Jr., all played significant roles last season.
Boyer was an All-COC performer, averaging 12 points, three rebounds and three assists. Daughtery added nine points and a pair of assists.
“How much time those two young men have invested in getting better, not only at the game of basketball, but as young men,” said Adamson. “Countless hours in the gym working on improvement. These two have, and continue to, put the work in.
“They are not afraid to hold each other accountable and they are not afraid to admit when the other is correct. They both want to be the best they can be and like everyone else who plays this game, they envision themselves coming through in the big moment or putting together a heck of a game. But these two do not put themselves, as individuals, over the good of our team. That is what is so special.”
Huskisson Jr. is just a junior but primed for a breakout season after averaging eight points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists as a sophomore.
“The three returning starters mentioned above will be counted on heavily this winter,” said Adamson. “All three did a fantastic job with leadership this summer.”
Seniors Dice Andrike and Cooper Miller, as well as junior Nahmy Kelley will also see increased roles after playing meaningful minutes last season.
6-foot-3 Kelly (6.5 PPG) – “Nahmy really took a step forward last season as a sophomore. His offensive versatility created some matchup problems for our opponents. Our coaching staff will ask Nahmy to really put an emphasis on rebounding the basketball this season.”
6-foot Andrike (2.6 PPG) – “Dice came off of the bench for us last season and really provided a spark on both ends of the court. He is a fantastic rebounder from the guard position and can defend the basketball. Dice is also extremely unselfish with the basketball and has excellent court vision.”
6-foot Miller (1.3 PPG) – “Cooper suffered a knee injury early this summer and has been working feverishly to make it back for as much of his senior campaign as possible. His work ethic and level of dedication tells you all you need to know about Cooper. He is a fantastic kid who we all want to see back on the court.”
Adamson is also excited about what he’s seen from several newcomers.
Luke Morris will add physicality and toughness. Jude Wallace is a high IQ player.
Carson Foster and Layton Teeter have great feel and toughness. Markell Winn and Uzziah Huskisson will make an instant impact with their athleticism.
Colbee Mowell is another player that will see minutes this winter.
In what was already a loaded COC, the Tigers now have to navigate what may be the best basketball league in Missouri with Kickapoo, Central, Parkview and Glendale, as well as Lebanon and Waynesville, all joining the COC.
Willard will be among the smallest in the league, something that will help prepare the Tigers to compete for their first district championship since 2018.
“This conference is awesome and has to be in the top two or three toughest basketball conferences in the state of Missouri,” said Adamson. “With the immense number of talented players and coaches and the number of programs steeped in rich tradition, the conference schedule will not be for the faint of heart. Night in and night out, this conference is going to challenge a team’s preparedness, ability, skill, talent, cohesiveness and resiliency.
“We have to continue to take pride in the character and foundation of this program. To play for each other and to continue to put the work in. From our coaching staff, to our players, to our junior high program and down through our youth. Everyone takes pride in playing as a Willard Tiger and upholding the principles that we continue to work on day in and day out.”
Willard will host Branson and Parkview in a jamboree on Nov. 19th before opening the 2024-25 regular season on Dec. 4 by hosting the Willard Basketball Classic.
