By Chris Parker
Mansfield boys basketball must replace its two leading scorers from last season’s 14-win team, but there is plenty of experience on the roster to fill the gaps.
“Our biggest strength will be returning varsity experience and our depth,” Mansfield head coach Craig Campbell said. “We have multiple players that can play multiple positions. For a Class 2 school, we have a good amount of length and strength that can cause teams issues. Last year we had very little varsity experience. This year most of our players have varsity experience.”
Senior forward Blake Henry is the leading returning scorer. He averaged 12.3 points per game last season while pulling down a team-high 11.3 rebounds per game.
“Blake brings high athleticism and high energy to the varsity again this year,” Campbell said. “He will be looked to as one of the leaders as well as provide a spark on both ends when we need it. Blake averaged a double-double last year and will be asked to improve on that this year, as well as guarding the other team’s better players. When Blake gets in the groove, he is nearly impossible to contain.”
Fellow senior Riley Stidham averaged 9.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as a junior.
“Riley was a big addition to the team last year and will be asked to take a larger role this year on both ends of the court,” Campbell said. “Riley has the athleticism to play inside and out and can dominate on both ends when he sets his mind to it. Stidham will be asked to guard some of the other team’s best players, as well as be a consistent scorer on the offensive side.”
Senior Charlie Grubbs scored 6.2 points per game with 4.3 rebounds last season.
“Charlie will be asked to be one of the leaders this year,” Campbell said. “He has the ability to play all five positions as well as guard all five. His versatility will be looked at as a huge asset and he will be needed to be a consistent player all around this year on both ends of the court.”
Zach McCrite will look to expand his 4.4 points per game in his senior season.
“Zach brings a strong shooting ability and will be asked to handle the ball some this year,” Campbell said. “Zach has made strides to improve his game all around and to go into his senior year stronger than ever.”
Riley Pierson is a fifth returning senior. He will look for an expanded varsity role this season.
“Riley split time between varsity and JV last year and brings toughness and defensive prowess to the varsity this year,” Campbell said. “Riley will have his most success being a tenacious defender and rebounder and giving us solid minutes anytime he is on the floor.”
Junior guard Haven Proetz returns after scoring 6.7 points per game with 1.4 assists per game as a sophomore.
“Haven will be asked to handle the ball more this year, as well as continue to be one of our better defenders,” Campbell said. “He should improve on his scoring and rebounding, and has the ability to cause havoc on both ends of the floor. He has the ability to be one of the top players in the conference.”
Sophomore Kellen Campbell rounds out the returning players.
“Kellen is going to be looked to handle the primary ball handling duties as well as play all over the court this year,” Coach Campbell said. “His size, athleticism, and basketball IQ allows him to play all five positions at any time. If he can improve his offense and be more consistent on defense, he will give other teams issues.”
Junior Malachi Ussery and sophomore Fisher Croney and Jace Headrick will be newcomers to watch.
Coach Campbell on Ussery: “Malachi is one of the most athletic kids in the school and will be looking to bring that athleticism to the varsity level this year. Malachi is one of our best defenders and plays much bigger than his size. He has the ability to be a gamechanger whenever he is on the court.”
Coach Campbell on Croney: “Fisher is a strong kid that will look to carve out a prominent role on varsity this year. He has shown improvement and the ability to play and guard multiple positions. His scoring and rebounding ability will be a big asset this year.”
Coach Campbell on Headrick: “Jace transferred from Gainesville High School this year and will fit in well with the group of kids we have returning. Jace played some varsity as a freshman last year and shot well on the year. He will look to try and carve a role in the varsity rotation with his basketball IQ, shooting ability, and ball handling skills.”
Mansfield travels to Marshfield for a jamboree on Nov. 19 with Central and the host Blue Jays. The Lions open the regular season Dec. 4-7 at the Willard Basketball Classic.
“(The season will be successful) if we can put individual accolades aside and focus on team success,” Campbell said. “If the team success is the main focus, the individual accolades will follow. Being mentally bought into the current task at hand and not worrying about outside noise or pressure.”
