By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Jack Simpson is returning to SPS as the head coach at Parkview, the school he played against during his days at Kickapoo. Simpson is coming off of a Final Four and 24-win season at Springfield Catholic.
“It’s good to be back in SPS,” said Simpson. “I am very thankful for Josh Scott and Cole Dishman for giving me the opportunity to coach at Parkview. My cousin graduated from Parkview in 2008 and I grew up around the high school whether at football or basketball games because I was always with him. Parkview basketball has a strong tradition of success.”
Simpson now takes over a Parkview program that has been one of the better programs in the Ozark Conference under previous head coach Landon Cornish, winning 19 games last season. The Vikings return just one starter from that team, but they’re not short on talent.
Senior Kevin Parker is the lone senior on the roster for Parkview. Parker brings 65 games of varsity experience to the roster and has made 78 3’s over the last two seasons, averaging 4.9 points as a junior and 8.9 points as a sophomore.
He’s one of the best shooters in the Ozarks.
“Kevin started a lot of games last season for Parkview,” said Simpson. “He is capable of really getting hot in a hurry and someone who loves the game. I look for Kev to have a really good senior season and we will lean on his experience and shot making. He is also a really strong and tough kid.”
Junior TJ Hill also returns for Parkview after averaging 6.3 points and 2.7 rebounds as a sophomore. The 6-foot-4 wing is one of the top in the Ozarks in his class. Sophomore Eli Govan played in 17 games as a freshman, even seeing action against Sierra Canyon in the Tournament of Champions.
Both will see expanded roles this season as the future of Parkview.
“Our young guys are super impressive,” said Simpson. “I truly believe that we have some of the best young guys in the area. Highlighted by TJ and Eli. TJ will have a huge role this year, I believe TJ is one of the best shooters in SWMO and is an extremely hard worker. Look for TJ to really bust out onto the scene this season. Eli is a 6-foot-5 long, athletic wing. He is getting stronger, has a solid jump shot and he is one of the best athletes in SWMO.”
Simpson is also excited about several other sophomores.
Dassiah Green has a 6-foot-3 frame and will add size and athleticism for Parkview. Christian Cordova will see action on the wing and Carlitos Sanchez will give Parkview’s backcourt a punch.
All three should see significant minutes this year.
“Dassiah is extremely athletic,” said Simpson. “He is smooth in transition and has the ability to be one of the best defenders in SWMO. Christian is transitioning from playing a “big” in middle school to a guard position. With that being said, he is a natural scorer and one of the best shooters in our program. Carlitos is extremely skilled; he’s a great passer with great court vision and he’s competitive. He is only 5-foot-4 but is one of the tougher kids I have been around.”
The Vikings will look a little different than they did under Cornish, but it will still be a very high caliber of basketball. Simpson’s teams are known for their ability to guard and be efficient offensively.
Last year Catholic allowed just 48.1 points. Under Cornish, Parkview allowed just 50.4 points in 2021-22.
Being able to follow Cornish has been a gift for Simpson, specifically because of the relationship he and Cornish have.
That will make the adjustment process quicker as the Vikings look to continue to compete for conference and district championships.
“We will pride ourselves on the defensive end,” said Simpson. “With our focus on keeping guys outside of the paint and making tough contested shots. With that being said we will try to use our defense and help turn into offense on the other end with quick possessions and playing a fun, fast style of basketball. If we buy into the defensive end the sky’s the limit for this team.
“Landon has done a tremendous job at Parkview. The culture here was already really strong and they are used to winning because of Coach Cornish. That makes things a lot easier for me, because you don’t have to worry about teaching discipline because of the job Landon did here. Landon is someone that has really helped me out even before I took the Parkview job and someone I have a ton of respect for. I just hope to continue to build off of his success.”
Parkview will join Weaubleau for a jamboree on Nov. 15 hosted by Willard. The Vikings will open the 2022-23 regular season on Dec. 1 at the Arvest Classic.
