By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
It hasn’t taken Jay Osborne long to put his touch on the Springfield Catholic program.
After winning a district title in Year One, the Irish followed it up with a 21-win season in Osborne’s second campaign.
Year Three will see Osborne attempt to replace four starters, but the task isn’t as daunting as it sounds on paper due to what Catholic has returning, headlined by junior guard Ryder Rowden.
The 5-foot-11 All-Big 8 selection averaged 10.8 points, 4.1 assists and a pair of steals as a sophomore, becoming one of the top floor generals in the area.
“Ryder is a returning starter and was one of our best players last year,” said Osborne. “This will be his third year of varsity. He will be one of the better guards in the area these next two years. He also shot 39 percent last year from three. He’s an outstanding shooter and passer. Very unselfish and knows how to play.”
Senior Carson Smith (6-5) returns after averaging 1.3 points and 2.1 rebounds a year ago. Osborne loved the growth Smith showed during the offseason and the presence he provided in the paint.
Classmates Daniel Hesemann and JD Layman saw time last year with Hesemann being a 6-foot guard that can do a little bit of everything and Layman being a big-time perimeter shooter.
A trio of juniors will also see larger roles this season.
Miles Elliott (6-0) and Ben Mulherin (6-0) saw significant time last year. Elliott averaged 4.1 points and 1.1 assists while Mulherin added 3.2 points and 1.3 assists.
Jack Morrison played sparingly as a sophomore but will compete for rotational minutes this winter.
“Miles just keeps getting better,” said Osborne. “He has developed into a really good shooter. He shot 47 percent from 3 last year. I’m excited to see his impact this season.
“Ben is a really solid player. He’s a scorer and another good shooter. He gives us more athleticism.”
Several newcomers will also figure into the equation.
A trio of sophomores in Sam Boster (6-1), Ralph Duda (5-10) and O’Sean Pierce (5-10).
Junior Case Cunningham (6-3) could also be a difference maker. A guard that has great size and skillset.
The roster will be different, but the expectations remain unchanged as the Irish will look for their fifth district championship and third Final Four run in the last eight seasons.
“Our strength will be in our guard play,” said Osborne. “We will always have multiple shooters on the court. Will try to play quick and up tempo and will try to build on our 21-win season last year. This is a team that will have success. Team chemistry will be solid. We have unselfish players that will compete every night. We will be creative on defense to compensate for our lack of size.”
Catholic will host Skyline, Clever and Monett in a jamboree on Nov. 21 before opening the 2024-25 regular season at the Gem City Classic on Dec. 2.
