By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Not many coaches in Missouri have been coaching as well or as long as Darren Taylor, who is rapidly approaching 650 career victories in a career that has spanned three decades.
But even with all the success, this will be one of the most anticipated seasons Greenwood has had with four starters returning from last year’s 25-4 team that lost in the Class 2 Elite Eight.
Those four losses came by a combined 21 points, and that number shrinks to 11 if you remove a 10-point loss to a much bigger Rogersville team.
“Last season was one of the most rewarding I have had as a basketball coach,” said Taylor. “Going 25-4 with only 10 players and five of those were freshmen. Winning district as a 3-seed and making it to the quarterfinals was a tremendous accomplishment for these young men.”
Greenwood will look to run it back with one of the top players in Missouri returning, 6-foot-7 senior guard Collin Clark.
Clark led Greenwood in points (19 PPG), rebounds (11 RPG) and assists (4.6 APG) on his way to an All-State junior campaign.
The Missouri State commit is approaching the 1,500-point mark.
“Collin is not only a great player, but is a leader with great character and strives to make everyone better,” said Taylor. “He has the height but also guard skills.”
Classmates Logan Sanders (6-1) and Isaiah Remulla (5-10) also return.
Sanders averaged 15 points, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals while also shooting 38 percent from 3-point range. Remulla added 10 points and 1.4 assists.
Both will be counted on to again provide a scoring punch.
“Logan is one of the hardest working players on the team,” said Taylor. “He often guards the opponent’s best player and has tremendous outside touch.
“Isaiah was a starter before an injury shortened his season. He brings high energy and has a good outside touch as well.”
Junior Cooper Morgan is a 6-foot-5 forward that really came on strong towards the end of the season, averaging three points and 3.7 rebounds. Sophomore Caden Frederick stands 6-foot-4 and will also add size and an interior presence.
One of the most improved players at Greenwood is 6-foot sophomore guard Tyler Harrell, who played in 29 games as a freshman and averaged eight points, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals.
A big point guard, Harrell is expected to take a significant step forward this winter.
Several newcomers will also see varsity minutes.
Senior Alton Prater (6-3) is another long, athletic frontcourt player. Sophomores Henry Haynes, Cade Garrett and Thomas Lin will provide backcourt depth.
Freshmen Calen Hetzler and Thomas Gilmore could also see significant varsity roles with both bringing the ability to score from different levels.
Nixa transfer Jase Foster is another player in the junior class to keep an eye on.
The Jays will miss last year’s lone senior starter Garrett Winslow, but this group of seniors and returners are experienced and hungry to leave their own legacy at Greenwood.
“Last year was a very fun year, the loss of Garrett will hurt but I think we have some players that are ready to step up,” said Taylor. “This is a high-energy group that enjoys playing the game with each other. Our team chemistry will help us be competitive throughout the season.”
Greenwood will open the 2024-25 regular season at the Marionville Invitational on Dec. 2.
