By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Glendale basketball enjoyed another successful campaign last season.
The Falcons posted a 19-9 record, falling to Parkview in the district semifinal.
With his top two scorers returning this season, longtime head coach Brian McTague has reason to be optimistic; however, players will need to quickly adjust and develop within new roles.
“We had a good season last year,” McTague said. “The biggest thing we lost from last year is a lot of toughness and competitiveness. Our new guys have big shoes to fill in that area.”
Glendale will be led by a talented duo in Ta’Veaion Washington and Amare Witham.
“Amare and Ta’Veaion will be our two biggest leaders,” McTague said. “They will be depended on to do the heavy lifting for us and show the new guys what it takes to be successful.”
Washington, a 6-foot-3 senior, averaged 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.3 steals last season.
“(Washington) brings great competitiveness and a strong skill set to our team,” McTague said. “He can do a little of everything and will be a key part of what we do this season.”
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Witham, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, recorded 19.2 points, 3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per contest as a freshman.
“One of the best players in the state,” McTague said. “(Witham) has made great strides in his development from last year and we’ll lean on him to produce even more this year.”
McTague also expects a quartet of varsity newcomers to make an impact this season and compete for playing time in 5-foot-11 Kyson Hawkison, 5-foot-11 Quinn DeSilva, 6-foot Anthony Fletcher and 6-foot-1 Kylan Mabins.
“We expect to have a great season,” McTague said. “We need all of our guys to buy into roles and only care about winning. If we’re able to sacrifice for the greater good, we will be a tough out every night.”
McTague believes his team’s success will largely be determined by its aggressiveness around the basket and overall efficiency with the ball.
“Role definition will be important as always to get guys in the right spots to give them the best chance to be successful,” McTague said. “We aren’t a big team, so we’re going to have to be willing to stick our nose in and be tough. We will defend and try to be as efficient as possible on the offensive end.”
Following a Nov. 16 jamboree at Republic, Glendale tips off its regular season Nov. 29 in the Willard Basketball Classic.
