By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Carl Junction is entering its third season under Justin Pock as the Bulldogs continue to build a foundation to resurrect the program.
CJ returns three starters and welcomes several newcomers for what will be Pock’s oldest team in his three seasons.
Senior guards Ayden Bard (6-2) and Ky Warren will set the tone. Bard averaged 11.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists as a junior. Warren added 5.7 points and was among the team’s leaders in steals.
They’ll set the tone for this year’s group.
“Ayden has gotten stronger in the weight room and I think has done a good job stepping into that leadership role,” said Pock. “He has been a leader for our football team and will carry that onto the basketball court. Ayden isn’t afraid to mix it up and will go after anybody.
“Ky will get a chance to run our offense. He has good speed and can take it to the basket. He also is very capable from 3.”
Senior guards Xavier Perkins and Lucas Vanlanduit are also back after playing in nearly 50 games combined last year.
Junior Aidan Beachner (6-4) gives CJ size and physicality upfront, while classmate Jett Hocut gives the Bulldogs another playmaker.
These are guys that have put in the time to help right the ship.
“I think we are working hard to promote the basketball team,” said Pock. “I am blessed to coach with guys who played here and the program means something to them. Carl Junction is a great school and we want the basketball team to represent it well. We have good youth teams and our junior high teams should have strong years. We know we play in maybe the best basketball conference in the state top to bottom and nothing will be handed to us so we have to continue to battle night after night.”
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Seniors Andrew Jones, Malachi Moore, Nathan Planchon and Braxton Dodds, as well as 6-foot-4 junior Quin Kennedy will all add depth and compete for varsity minutes as well.
“Andrew, Malachi, Braxton, and Nathan have been in our program the last three years and will be given the opportunity to see some varsity minutes this year and compete for playing time.
“Quin is a talented player that can rebound and play inside and out if needed. He gave us some good minutes last year at times and will have an opportunity to show his abilities this year.”
The Bulldogs won three district championships from 2013-18. Carl Junction has been under .500 since 2014 and this group is eager to help restore the program to its winning ways.
For that to happen, Pock believes the Bulldogs will need to continue to work on their mental approach to the game.
“We have to focus on what we do well and continue to get better,” said Pock. “We need to step on the floor with the confidence to play with anybody in this league no matter the size of their school. To win in our conference and tough district, you have to control the basketball, limit your mistakes, take advantage of the opportunities the other team gives you, be physical, and defense has to be a priority with the amount of good offenses we will play against this year.”
Carl Junction will jamboree at Mount Vernon with Carthage and Seneca. The Bulldogs will open the 2022-23 season on Nov. 28 at the Forsyth Tournament.
