By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Central Basketball has completely changed under second year head coach Jordan Epps. The Bulldogs increased their win total in year one but were also more competitive than the program has been in some time.
Last year Central lost eight games by six points or less, with some of those coming against programs like Glendale, Bolivar, Willard and Fair Grove. The Bulldogs aren’t far off from competing with the elites of the area and will be one of the most improved teams in Class 6.
“We definitely turned heads in Year One,” said Epps. “We have guys going into this season hungrier than I have seen and wanting to make a name and story for themselves and Central. We are going into the season with a lot of guys receiving college interests at multiple levels so having talent will not be issue for Central this year. Experience is now there and after a successful summer I believe these guys have seen what they are capable of.”
Central returns all five starters with senior Sterling Vincent and junior Antonio Starks-Fewell being the big names.
Both averaged 13 points last year. Vinson is a 6-foot-3 wing and Starks-Fewell is a 6-foot-1 guard.
“Sterling and Antonio are coming back as our leading scorers,” said Epps. “They are going into this season as veterans and all have matured with great summers and stepped up as leaders over June shootouts. Having guys with their ability and talent surrounded by other talented players should create a match up problem for whoever we play.”
Sophomores Bryce Walker and Keion Epps are the best duo in the sophomore class arguably in Missouri with both have Division One potential.
Walker is a 6-foot-6 big that averaged a dozen per game, while Epps is one of the best true point guards in Missouri.
“Keion had a very good summer, picking up a lot of D1 interest,” said Epps. “He has added range to his jumper and finishing above the rim now. He’s a very athletic and quick guard. He has taken pride in the defensive end also.
“Bryce also had a great summer and continues to develop into his body. He has tremendous potential.”
Senior Tae’Sean McShane gives Central more size and athleticism at 6-foot-5. Sophomores Tayshawn Wells, Jordan Pittman and Devin Sanford will also see bigger roles this winter.
“Central will need to lock and buy into the defensive side of the basketball,” said Epps. “A team that averaged 70+ points a game has no problem scoring the ball but sometimes we get out of position on defense. Once we buy into guarding we will be hard to beat. I believe we will be very competitive and able to compete for district and conference championships starting this year and next couple years.
“We had a lot of very close losses last season that our guys were hurt from that built a lot of drive from. Having that experience of close games and losses will help us going forward.”
Central will jamboree join Fair Grove and Marshfield for a jamboree at Marshfield before opening the 2022-23 regular season at home on Nov. 22 against Willard.
