By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Cabool Bulldogs took home their first district title in 20 years and won 17 games under Coach Brad Shockley last season. Now Chris Ellersieck enters his first season as head coach and leads a much different team after losing seven out of nine to graduation.
“With the majority of last year’s team moving on to other endeavors this year, our team looks to have many new faces step up and step in,” said Ellersieck.
Carson Lindsey is one of two returning varsity players.
“He will play the guard/forward this season, and I expect him to have a huge impact, both on the offensive and defensive side of the floor,” said Ellersieck. “He is a tremendous athlete who is explosive, quick, and gets off the floor in a hurry.”
Brody Noirfalise also returns to varsity.
“Brody is expected to have an increasing role,” said Ellersieck. “He is one of our primary guards, which means he will handle the ball for us a lot this year. He is a great passer and can shoot when the opportunity presents itself.”
New to the varsity lineup is Michael Riggs, a senior who has put in the work and has improved.
Carson Long, a junior, will be a defensive stopper for the Bulldogs.
“He’s a hard-nosed kid who plays hard,” said Coach Ellersieck. “I am hopeful he will fill some voids for us on our varsity this year.
Junior Corbin Crewse is a post player “and came on strong at the end of the JV season,” said his coach. He should contribute on both sides of the ball this year.
Senior Gideon Warneke has suffered a football injury and is returning to basketball after some time away.
“With his great worth ethic, he will find himself in the lineup more and more throughout the year,” said Coach Ellersieck.
Junior Taylor Stone is also returning to basketball following a hiatus and will help with depth at the guard position. Senior Anthony Mora is the final player who took time off but is returning to play basketball; he could find an opportunity at guard as well.
Jordan Kentner is a solid shooter who has continued to improve. The sophomore “could find himself getting varsity time as the year progresses,” said Ellersieck. Another sophomore who could contribute is Oscar Soto, who Coach described as “a great athlete.”
Sophomore Benett Montgomery has a high basketball IQ and will add depth to the varsity squad.
Freshman Josiah Leonard “is an extremely talented freshman that will play both the guard and forward positions,” said Coach Ellersieck. “His hard work and solid summer campaign will put him in position to make an enormous impact on our varsity squad this season.”
Newcomers to varsity include Jeremiah Gatton, a competitive post player who adds depth, and Lincoln Davidson, also a solid post player. “Lincoln has had a great preseason, and we expect him to have a substantial role on varsity,” said Ellersieck.
The Bulldogs do not have a jamboree scheduled this year but will open their season December 5 at Summersville.
“Our goal this year is to be competitive night in and night out,” said Coach Ellersieck. “We strive to get better each and every day as young men, basketball players, and teammates.”
