By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Willard will be under new – but familiar – leadership this winter with JJ Adamson taking over the program after a successful stint as the head coach of Willard’s girls program.
The Willard Lady Tigers have been over .500 in four of the last five years with a 22-win, district championship season in 2020-21.
“I feel very fortunate to have been able to lead the girls program for the last seven years,” said Adamson. “With the help of some wonderful players and coaches, we were able to take a program that went 5-20 in our first year to our school’s first district title in girls basketball since the 1980s. Our kids had the honor of being ranked first in the Class 5 state rankings and had the opportunity to play for two Pink and White Tournament championships. We had several All-COC and All-District players over the years that helped Coach Waddell, Coach Walker, Coach Towe and I elevate our girls program to a high level.
“I think we have found a great fit to take the Lady Tigers to the next level in Coach Luke Floyd. It will be fun to watch Coach Floyd and his staff continue to add on to the tradition and I plan on being their biggest fan.”
Adamson inherits a completely new team this year, with just Cooper Wilken returning for the Tigers. Wilken averaged 6.7 points, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals for Willard.
“Cooper has strong leadership qualities and is a great teammate,” said Adamson. “He possesses a winner’s mentality and makes those around him better. Cooper has, by far, the most experience of anyone who will see varsity action this winter. He will be asked to shoulder the majority of the load when it comes to keeping things cohesive on the floor and getting his teammates in the correct spots.”
Several other seniors will figure into the equation as well.
The quartet of Logan Crighton and Braden Bagley saw reserve minutes last year. Both will see significant role increases this winter. Classmates Riley Wolf and Clayton Scott add a pair of gritty guys that can defend at a high level.
Adamson is also excited about a large incoming junior class.
Drew Quinlan is a wing that can really score at different levels. He has a chance to have a breakout season.
Football standouts Alex West, Tim Ruble, Russell Roweton and Logan Moore will all add toughness and athleticism.
Sophomore Braxton Boyer is described as a hard worker and a gym rat that is coming off of a good summer.
Willard will also receive a boost from a pair of transfers in senior Deuce Andrike and junior Mason Ruckman.
“Deuce is a tenacious defender with excellent court vision,” said Adamson. “He plays hard 100% of the time and his energy level is off the charts. Mason is going to add some length to our lineup. He is a versatile offensive threat who can score inside and out.”
For Willard fans accustomed to watching Adamson’s teams play, not much will change. They’ll look to push the pace and play with physicality.
“When someone watches the Willard Tigers play, we want them to see a program who competes,” said Adamson. “A program whose kids play with a great effort level and a fantastic attitude. A program whose kids pull for one another and rejoice in the successes of their teammates. Offensively, we will look to use tempo to our advantage. Not only in transition but in the half court as well. Our coaching staff will work to help our guys to play fast and confidently, while staying under control and playing with poise. It will be a continual process to reach the pace of play that will allow our personnel to be successful.
“Defensively, our coaching staff will work to instill basketball habits that will work in whatever defense our personnel, game plan or situation dictates. With our program’s overall lack of size, we will have to work to finish every defensive stand with a defensive rebound. How well this year’s team can defend without fouling and rebound the basketball will go a long way in telling us how good we will be.”
Willard will host Parkview and Weaubleau in a jamboree on Nov. 15 before opening the 2022-23 regular season at Central on Nov. 22.
