By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Mitch McHenry’s run at Kickapoo has been nothing short of remarkable, winning 109 games in his first five seasons despite multiple roster overhauls.
Even with three starters and six total letterwinners back, the Chiefs will look to build off of last year’s 25-4 season without All-Everything guard Zaide Lowery, who will spend his senior season at national power La Lumiere.
But that won’t change what Kickapoo expects to accomplish this year.
“We had a great summer, and we have a group that has worked really hard to prepare for this upcoming season,” said McHenry. “They will need to have a lot of trust in each other; especially our four seniors. All our guys whether it is our four seniors or our depth players will need to take a step from last season for us to have the success we expect.”
Seniors Brayden Shorter, Trae Oetting and Harrison Doennig return as starters and offer one of the best trios in Missouri.
Shorter – a 6-foot-6 guard – averaged 15 points and 4.6 rebounds as a junior, emerging as one of the best shooters in the state.
Oetting – a 5-foot-11 point guard – averaged 11.5 points and 3.7 assists and quarterbacked one of the most dynamic offenses in the area.
Doennig – a 6-foot-7 big – is a four-year letterman that adds size and athleticism.
“Brayden had a breakout junior season in his first full-year of varsity competition. One of the best perimeter scorers in the area. Brayden has developed his game to be a threat to score at all three levels. Plays with a high motor and is very competitive.
“Trae did a great job running the point for us in his first full year of varsity. Has a great ability of getting downhill and finishing at the rim, but can has a complete game. We will be looking for him to take the next step as a floor general and vocal leader going into his senior year. Harrison has continued to improve and expand his game each year for us. He has a great perimeter game for a forward/center which puts a lot of pressure on defenses. Has always been steady and in the right spot defensively.”
Senior Landon Keisker will also see an expanded role this season. The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 3.8 points and 4.8 assists last year, excelling in a role as a facilitator.
Not many programs have as much experience as the Chiefs.
“Their competitiveness and high motors are separators,” said McHenry. “Not once in the four years they have been in our program have I asked those guys to play harder or give more. They aren’t moody and they are a fun group to coach. With that being said, they all have to continue to take the next step and get out of their comfort zone to be complete players/leaders.”
Kickapoo will also receive a boost from the return of sophomore Jackson Shorter. He saw some varsity reps as a freshman and at 6-foot-7 with the ability to score at every level, he is a very difficult matchup for opponents, specifically when paired with what Kickapoo returns.
“Jackson has a chance to be an impact player,” said McHenry. “He has unique mobility for his size, and plays with a lot of skill. Our senior group has done a good job of leading by example and we have several players that have the opportunity to impact the varsity level because they have watched how to approach their game from our seniors.”
A large group of juniors will also compete for varsity minutes.
Mason Robb, Drew Akins and Shaun Campbell have shown promise, with Robb providing another scorer and playmaker, Akins bringing another floor general and Campbell having elite defensive potential.
Classmates Trenton Harris (6-4), Hogan Smith (6-3), Dylan Davis (6-2), Jake Sage (6-0) and Jake Easley (5-10), as well as freshman Reese Kimrey (6-0) will also be looking at reps.
Kickapoo has eight Final Four appearances and has won seven district titles in the last 10 years. In 11 of the last 12 years, Kickapoo’s playoff run has gone through Nixa.
The Eagles took two of three from Kickapoo last year, including a 46-43 playoff victory. While Kickapoo isn’t dwelling on that game, they know it’ll take another quality run to survive conference and district play in the Ozarks.
“They know how last year played out; we are a highly competitive group and I don’t think we have to be constantly reminded or I have to constantly talk about last year to motivate our group,” said McHenry. “Our trust in each other and ability to persevere mentally and physically in the moments we are uncomfortable will dictate our success this season. Winning is hard and there are a lot of challenges during a varsity season. I am excited to watch our team progress during the season.”
Kickapoo will open the 2022-23 season on Dec. 1 at the Parkview Arvest Classic.
