By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Asked to identify his team’s biggest strength heading into the season, Mountain Grove boys basketball coach Nick Openshaw was quick to answer.
Asked to identify the area that comes with the most unanswered questions, he gave the same answer.
Youth.
The Panthers will have to replace an eight-player senior class that led the school to a 13-14 record, the team’s most successful season since winning four district titles and making three Final Four runs between 2016 and 2019. That includes all five of their starters, creating ample opportunities for the Panthers who are returning to the court this winter.
“We have a lot of guys that are going to get minutes this year that have not played at the varsity level,” Openshaw said. “This is both a blessing and a curse because we have to figure out things together.”
Entering his third year in charge of the program after spending more than a decade as an assistant coach, Openshaw said this year’s group – laden with sophomores and juniors – will have the chance to lay the groundwork for future success.
“We have players that are ready to step into the varsity level with some confidence,” the coach continued. “We just have to build off of their confidence and put some things together.”
They’ll look to build off the momentum generated by the Class of 2024, who led the team to an opening-round victory in the Blue & Gold Tournament for the first time since 2017 and played for a district title for the first time since that decorated four-year run.
“Eight seniors really were the anchor for our team,” Openshaw said. “We have not had that many seniors the whole time I have been in Mountain Grove – this is year 14 overall – so we do go into the off season with a lot of questions for our young kids.”
With so many new faces, the Panthers will lean heavily on some of their most experienced returning players – senior forward Sam Peterson, sophomore guard Brody Emery and junior guard Aden Estep.
“A lot of minutes from last year’s team are going to go to Sam, Brody and Aden,” Openshaw said. “If they can step up and help bring some players along with them we will be able to make strides throughout this year.”
Peterson is the team’s top returning scorer and rebounder, averaging 5.7 points and 3.8 boards.
“We hope he is able to bring leadership to our team,” Openshaw added.
Emery was right behind him, averaging 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds as a freshman.
“Talented offensive player that showed some strides defensively this summer,” Openshaw said. “We love his game and aggression and hope he is able to take the leap as a sophomore this year.”
Estep, a standout football player, missed the majority of his sophomore season after suffering an injury on the gridiron. He’s excited to get back on the court this winter.
“He is a leader for the boys from his time as the (quarterback) of the football team,” Openshaw said. “He spent a lot of time this summer working on his game.”
Senior forward Destin Unger, junior forward Brady Anderson and sophomore guard Kale Gardner also saw varsity action last season.
Openshaw on Unger: “Defensive specialist who we hope can bring energy for us.”
Openshaw on Anderson: “Lengthy wing player that we hope can take strides this year to provide us with big minutes off of the bench.”
Openshaw on Gardner: “He played PG for the JV and did a great job of getting the offense to play at the pace we love. Will have the opportunity for a lot of minutes this year.”
Sophomores Eli Golden, a forward, and JP Dickey, a center, have been particularly impressive during offseason action and could make immediate contributions to the varsity squad.
“Eli had a great summer and really has grown into a player that will have a lot of minutes this winter,” Openshaw said. “He shot the ball well this summer and continues to go and polish his game.”
Dickey is poised to make the leap from the JV squad.
“He has really worked on his offensive game to put himself in a position where he can get minutes at the varsity level this year,” Openshaw said.
Seniors Cooper Hoerning and Brayden Haughey will also push for playing time.
Hoerning, a forward, is a strong post defender.
“Works hard on the glass and is coming along with his offensive game,” Openshaw said.
Haughey is a 6-foot-4 center who is joining the basketball team for the first time.
“Does a great job on the glass and had a great summer learning about the game,” Openshaw said.
Mountain Grove will host Eminence, Houston and Plato for a jamboree, though the date had not been finalized by press time. The Panthers will open the regular season November 26 at Eldon.
