By Chris Parker
Monett boys basketball enters head coach Andrew Ballock’s second season with more familiarity in his system and expectations.
“The biggest difference from this year’s group is that they have completely bought in to what we as a coaching staff are trying to preach,” Ballock said. “Our overall standard of how we conduct ourselves daily has risen causing the culture of our program to trend in the right direction.”
Landyn Brandt returns for his senior season after earning second-team all-conference honors as a junior.
“Landyn does a lot of great things for our basketball team, but his greatest asset on the court is his ability to put pressure on the defense around the rim,” Ballock said. “He has a good frame and athleticism which allows him to be able to have a huge impact scoring the ball at the basket.”
Brandt will be relied on to lead both in the box score and in the huddle.
“My expectations for Landyn this season are for him to pick up where he left off last year regarding affecting the game in the stat sheet, but also, for him to be a great leader for this group,” Ballock said. “Although it’s great to have, I don’t care as much about the numbers he can put up, I want to see him be a leader with his voice and his actions throughout the day-to-day grind of the season and help lead this team to success.”
Fellow seniors Logan Kutz and Landon Thrasher also return. Kutz brings length, rim protection and rebounding from his center spot. Thrasher, a forward, also provides length and scoring around the rim.
The junior trio of Alex Meeks, Miles Young and August Black also return. Meeks is a versatile forward. Young can run the offense and is good at creating shots for others. Black is a high energy defender at guard.
Look for Aidan Clapper (senior guard/forward), Jayden Apostol (senior forward), Jack Stephens (sophomore guard) and Carson Nestleroad (sophomore guard) to be newcomers.
“Our biggest strength will be that they are very coachable,” Ballock said. “This group has been and will continue to be a very fun group to coach. They are willing to accept coaching and try to apply that to their play on the court. Our depth mixed with a few guys with length will allow us to do some different things on both ends of the floor.”
Ballock sees areas for improvement on both ends of the floor.
“From last year to this year, we need to become a better defensive team all around, on the ball and team defense,” Ballock said. “Offensively, we allowed the ball to stick too much, this year we must keep the ball popping and play for each other.”
Monett opens the regular season on Dec. 6 at home against Billings.
“I want to see our guys play with a much more competitive edge,” Ballock said. “We plan to make practices very competitive with hopes that it will transfer to our gameplay. I want to see our culture and standard continue to rise. Lastly, I would love to see this group play for each other, love each other, and become a true family.”
