By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Lamar boys basketball team looked a little more like itself last winter.
Following an uncharacteristic showing in 2022-23 – Lamar’s first losing season in more than a decade – the Tigers rebounded to finish 15-13.
But after dropping back-to-back district championship games to Southwest by a combined five points, the perennial title contenders enter this winter in search of their first one under third-year head coach Heath Heckadon.
With three returning starters, the Tigers appear poised to contend for what would be the school’s sixth district championship in the past 13 seasons.
“I’ve been coaching long enough that I understand you have rollercoaster seasons to go through,” Heckadon said. “Each season is different in (its) own way. Kids graduate, others are asked to step up and you continue to grind.”
The Tigers are not immune from that cycle, as they have to find a way to replace a four-player senior class headlined by all-conference selection Ian Ngugi. He averaged more than 20 points per game last fall, leaving a noticeable hole in the lineup.
“Hopefully somebody will step up and replace his scoring for us,” Heckadon said. “I believe on any given night somebody different could lead us in scoring.”
Top candidates include senior Alex Wilkerson and junior Talon Timmons, who both earned all-conference honors. Timmons was also named to the all-district team.
Wilkerson was named to the Big 8 West’s all-defensive team after averaging 9 points, 2 steals and 4.3 rebounds per game.
“Alex is just a great athlete that is successful in all sports,” Heckadon said. “He will be looked upon to provide more scoring this year along with his continued dominant defense.”
Timmons is Lamar’s top returning scorer and rebounder, averaging 10 points and 6.1 rebounds. For the Tigers to be successful, he’ll have to do more of the same.
“Talon will have to continue to score and rebound,” Heckadon said. “Talon is capable of scoring 20 a night.”
Heckadon believes senior Luke Tabakian could have a breakout season. Tabakian averaged 5 points and 2.1 rebounds during his junior campaign.
“It’s time for Luke to shine,” Heckadon said. “He has the capability to be one of the best players in the Big 8. He has always let the game come to him, but we need him to go take over and not wait.”
Senior point guard Trey Pittsenbarger is the team’s third returning starter.
“He is a great defender and can score when he wants to,” Heckadon said.
Eli Hull rounds out Lamar’s four-player senior class.
“Eli Hull is an all-energy player for us he will do anything you ask of him,” Heckadon said. “He is that player every coach wants to have.”
Junior Eli Ngugi will take on some additional responsibilities after appearing in 26 games last winter.
“One of the best shooters we have,” Heckadon said. “We will count on Eli to knock big shots when we need them.”
Classmate Trenton Torbeck is Lamar’s tallest returning player at 6-foot-2.
“Trent is an energy guy that rebounds and defends well,” Heckadon said. “He is getting better offensively. He needs to continue gaining confidence on the floor.”
Juniors Keaton Kinney and Preston Heins and sophomores Jude Harris, Vince Breshears, Teron Williams, Brady Gire and Logan Martin will also push for playing time.
One area of particular focus for the Tigers this season is their play away from home.
Excluding neutral site games, they’re just 4-13 on the road over the past two seasons.
“Teams are always going to play better at home, but that’s not (an) excuse,” Heckadon said. “Our road schedule the last few years has been tough, and it won’t get any easier this year. I think to improve on that, we have to become more consistent shooters, defend better and create our own energy.”
The Tigers will travel to Carthage for a November 22 jamboree against the hosts, Carl Junction and Mount Vernon. Their first regular-season game is slated for December 10 at St Mary’s-Colgan, a parochial school located in Pittsburg, Kansas.
“This group this year is so much fun to coach and just a great group of boys,” Heckadon said. “I can guarantee one thing about this season: We will play hard for four quarters and whatever happens, happens.”
