By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Salem went above .500 last season with 15 wins, and despite returning only one starter, the Tigers look to continue their success.
Jared Patterson enters his third year as the Tigers’ head coach. “We had a really good season last year for Salem boys’ basketball,” said Patterson. “Our team had the first winning season since 2016, going 15-13. We averaged 61.5 points per game, which is the highest since 2008. We allowed 58.3 points per game, which is the lowest it’s been since 2014. We finished in third place, going 4-3 in SCA play without having a player on first team or second team all-SCA. Through all the adversity, our team played really well down the stretch, winning our last three games before going into districts. This upcoming year will be a lot of unknown. Our junior varsity went 21-3 on the season, so we have talent coming up, just inexperienced.”
Braiden Gapsch is the only returning starter. The 5’10” junior shot 42% from the three-point line and averaged 13.5 points per game. “Braiden caught fire in SCA play, scoring 28 points vs. Willow Springs and 30 vs. Mtn. Grove,” said Patterson. “Gapsch is a special player, and I am excited to see all the things he adds to his game this year.”
Junior Lincoln Thomas is a 5’9” returning guard. “He was a newcomer last year but will be a player we heavily rely on this season,” said Patterson. “Lincoln handles the ball really well and can shoot the ball as well. He is a playmaker for us and will be vital to our team’s success.”
Cayden Moody (5’9”) is one of two seniors. “He will make a huge impact on our team with his leadership and work ethic,” said Coach Patterson. “Cayden will be our starting point guard and will be our floor general. He is committed to play baseball at Evangel next year but is excited to have a great senior year on the court.”
6’4” sophomore Luke Pryor “brings some size and athleticism to our starting five,” said Patterson. “He can jump out of the gym and has really put in a lot of work this offseason. We look forward to seeing what Luke can do as a varsity player.”
Junior Gavin Sapaugh (6’2”) is Salem’s strong post player inside. “He will be asked to do a lot of the dirty work for our team. He is a work horse on the boards and a great defender for his size,” said Patterson.
Sophomore Brody Ray (5’9”) will provide scoring off the bench. “His ability to get to the rim and hit three-point shots will be critical for our offense,” said his coach.
6’4” junior Dannon Berry provides length inside. “His ability to effect shots inside will be a key for our defense,” said Patterson. “His shooting from the outside for a big guy is also a nice addition.”
Corby Ball is a 6’2” senior and a solid defender off the bench. “He will bring us some energy and will be a good leader for our team,” said Patterson.
Roy Stevens is also a 6’2” senior and “a very good, reliable defender and a really good rebounder for his size,” said Coach Patterson. “He will be an important piece for our team this season.”
Junior Hayden Ragsdale, junior, is an athletic 6’2” utility player. “He can spread it out and hit the three-point shot or get inside and grab some rebounds for us,” said Patterson.
Talented freshman Eli Wofford (6’4”) will see varsity minutes. “The sky is the limit for him,” said his coach. “His inside post moves are very good for a freshman, and he has gained confidence on the defensive side of the ball.”
Sophomore Tyson Connors, a 6’2” sophomore, is an athletic guard who can join the mix. “He is very good with his back to the basket, but also attacking the lane as well,” said Patterson. “His defense is going to be crucial to give us more depth at the guard position.”
Coach Patterson believes his team could have a promising season if they continue to improve. “We have to have several players step up and be leaders to set the tone for our team this year,” he said. “Our team will be young and undersized, but I believe our speed and athleticism will make up for some of that. We will play a fast-paced brand of basketball with a much-improved defensive mindset. I liked how we played over the summer and progressed really well over the fall. We look to continue our success in year three with the phrase, ‘culture wins.’”
Salem will jamboree at Mountain View-Liberty with Liberty, Salem, Winona, and Clearwater on November 19. The Tigers open their season at Dixon on November 22.
