By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Jordan Epps is quickly becoming one of the best young coaches in the Ozarks, taking Central from an afterthought to one of the most talented programs in Missouri.
The Bulldogs won just 18 games from the 2017-18 season to the 2021-22 season. That number has grown to 23 in Epps first two seasons, nearly doubling his team’s win total from Year One (8) to his second season (15).
Now Central is back with a loaded roster and lessons from the last two years that should help the Bulldogs get over the hump and be a threat for a Final Four run.
“Most of my kids were thrown right into the fire as freshmen and showed they could compete with anybody; last year’s win total almost doubling means a lot for these kids,” said Epps. “They felt like they left a lot of games on the table that they should have won and made a statement that they weren’t taking any games off this year and treating everyone the same. The mindset going into the season is different and I love it.
“This year’s group is more focused, chemistry is amazing, and everyone is bought in. I can see a big culture shift and change, and it is exciting.”
Leading the way are a trio of junior starters in Keion Epps, Rue Wells and Bryce Walker.
Epps and Wells form one of the most dynamic backcourts in Missouri. The 6-foot Epps averaged 12 points, four assists and three steals as a sophomore. Wells added 10 points, three assists and four steals. Walker – a 6-foot-6 big – averaged 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
All three are among some of the best prospects in Missouri at their position.
Central is also excited about a pair of backcourt move-ins in seniors Tyrique Brooks and Tre Paige.
Brooks is a transfer from Waynesville that averaged more than 20 PPG last year and currently holds several D2 offers while also being courted by multiple D1 programs. Paige comes to Central after spending last season in Kentucky.
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“Tyrique will be our best player from the jump,” said Epps. “He’s a high-level scorer, defender and athlete. He will be the most recruited kid in southwest Missouri 2024 class. Tre will make a big impact for us. He’s a nice-sized guard that can defend 1-4 and also scores well from everywhere on the floor. These two move-ins are a coach’s dream to have as I am blessed to get both for this season.”
The Bulldogs will have one of the best schedules in the Ozarks, including challenges against the defending Class 6 state champs Staley, national power Link Academy and trips to the Blue and Gold, as well as the heralded Bass Pro Tournament of Champions.
To say they’ll be battle tested would be an understatement.
After a 90-88 double OT district loss to Joplin last year, this is a Central team that is extremely hungry. Their talent is undeniable, now it’s time to take the next step on the court and compete for Ozark Conference and district championships.
“I have 9-10 guys that are basketball players and understand what it takes to be successful,” said Epps. “There have been zero ego issues. This team since June has shown they are very unselfish and move the ball well for having a lot of scorers. Tyrique has fit in well with this group also. He is a smart player and makes the guys around him so much better with his ability to pass the ball that might have gone unnoticed in his career.
“If we can continue to buy in on the defensive end and hold teams at a high level, we will be able to beat and compete any team on our schedule. We will be hard to guard even on our off-shooting nights, so the defense will win our games. Playing at our pace will cause trouble to teams in the area I believe. This team feels the same way about leaving games unsatisfied last year and has played June and fall leagues with that chip on their shoulder.”
Central will jamboree at Marshfield on November 14th before opening the 2023-24 season on Nov. 28 against highly touted Link Academy.
