By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2023 proved to be another successful outing for Greenwood Basketball.
The 20-8 Blue Jays posted a fifth-straight 20-win season for the program, falling to Sparta in the district tournament.
Longtime head coach Darren Taylor expects a trio of returning starters to lead the Blue Jays this season in Collin Clark, Garrett Winslow and Chance Rose.
Clark, a 6-foot-7 junior and all-district honoree, averaged 19 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2 steals last season.
“Collin has the ability to play inside or out coming off a great sophomore season,” Taylor said. “Added strength in the off season and is looking to be even more productive this year.”
Winslow, a 6-foot-5 senior, recorded 7.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest as a junior.
“Strong defender and rebounder who has improved his range,” Taylor said of Winslow. “Tremendous timing in blocking shots and protecting the rim.”
Rose, a 6-foot junior, finished with 4.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season.
“Great rebounder for his size,” Taylor said of Rose. “Enjoys doing the dirty work that
makes his team better.”
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6-foot-3 sophomore Cooper Morgan also returns to the lineup after earning varsity experience as a freshman.
“Got some valuable minutes as a freshman and will have an expanded role,” Taylor said of Morgan.
Senior Brady Gilmore, senior Carson Lines and junior Quinten Hoffman round out Greenwood’s returning roster.
A trio of junior move-ins will benefit the Blue Jay lineup this season in 6-foot Logan Sanders, 6-foot-3 Alton Prater and 5-foot-11 Isaiah Remulla.
Taylor also believes a quartet of varsity newcomers will compete for playing time this season in freshman Tyler Harrell, freshman Caden Frederick, freshman Henry Haynes and sophomore Gyan Grewal.
“I like this group and think we can have some success as the season progresses and some of our newcomers gain valuable experience,” Taylor said.
Greenwood tips off the regular season Nov. 27 in the Marionville Invitational Tournament.
