By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Kickapoo lost six seniors from a 24-5 team that lost in the district championship, and it still won’t be a rebuild for Mitch McHenry and company.
The Chiefs bring back a pair of starters and should again be one of the top Class 6 teams in the state.
It all starts with senior Jackson Shorter and junior point guard Reese Kimrey.
Shorter (13.1 points, 6.3 rebounds) is a 6-7 wing that scores from anywhere on the floor and Kimrey (11 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists) is a 6-1 guard that has developed into one of the best two-way floor generals in Missouri.
Both will have college futures on the hardwood.
“Jackson has been a starter since his sophomore season,” said McHenry. “He was one of the top forwards in the area last season. Has good mobility as a forward and is elite defensively. Last year he led us in scoring and had a great finish to the season offensively.
“Reese was our starting point guard last season. We will need him to take a step in his leadership to replace the seniors we lost. Reese plays with great vision and pace to his game. He has a great understanding of the game on both sides of the ball.”
Also back in the mix is junior wing Brock Thompson, who chipped in 4.3 points and 3.6 rebounds as a sophomore, playing in every Kickapoo game.
At 6-foot-3, he’s a little undersized but gives the Chiefs a punch in the paint.
“Brock was our back-up forward last year as a sophomore,” said McHenry. “He played his best basketball at the end of the season. He is a traditional forward that plays with great vision and has great footwork.”
Several newcomers will be in the mix for minutes this year as well.
Senior Levi Phillips gives the Chiefs another big, mobile body for an interior presence.
Juniors Vince Mhire and Elijah Nabors are two combo guards that will see major role increases, providing scoring, play-making and perimeter defense.
Classmates AJ McDowell, Brayden Rubidoux, Robison Lee and Andrew Kineman, as well as sophomores Jeydon Suddarth and Will Winn will also be competing for rotational minutes.
Junior Rylee Tan is new to the program but fighting for a spot as well.
Last year’s Kickapoo unit was the best defensive team in terms of points per game that McHenry has had in his time at Kickapoo.
While the personnel has changed a little, this is again a team that is good enough on both ends of the floor to challenge for not only a COC championship in the revamped league, but a deep playoff run beyond.
“Our team this season I believe is hungry to get started and compete for increased roles at the varsity level this season,” said McHenry. “We have a tough schedule and will be a part of a tough conference season. I believe the success of our season will depend on our group’s toughness and ability to play together. How we handle adversity and gel as a team will determine a lot this season. If we can do these things at a high level, we will have an enjoyable season.”
Kickapoo will jamboree at Hillcrest with Ozark joining before opening the 2024-25 regular season on Dec. 5 at the Parkview Arvest Classic.
