By Chris Parker
Everton boys basketball is looking for the program’s first win since 2021 with a fairly experienced roster returning this season.
“The biggest strength will be that a good majority of the boys have played a couple seasons together, and we are all on the same page for where we want to be at the end of the season,” Everton head coach Skylor Horton said.
Senior post player Mason Morris returns after averaging 4.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season.
“Morris will be looked to have a big season inside and help us defensively,” Horton said.
Fellow seniors Zayn Powers (forward) and Kameron Craig (guard) also return.
“(Powers) will be someone who can spread the floor and has a good basketball IQ,” Horton said. “(Craig) will be looked to be a role player this season and help give some energy to the team.”
Wylie Vigesaa is a junior guard who will be a strong two-way presence.
“Vigesaa is super coachable,” Horton said. “This kid makes smart passes and plays all-out effort defense. I really think he offers us a great option to bring in to help make stops on defense and he won’t make a lot of silly mistakes that will cause us to beat ourselves.”
James Grisham will be a force in the post as a junior.
“Grisham is a big kid that is honestly much needed in the paint,” Horton said. “We have been lacking a big presence inside and he is just the guy we need to not only use on offense to open things up but also a big guy to plug up that middle in our defense.”
Noah Morris is another junior post player. He averaged 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore.
“Noah is also another big guy who has good ball control for a big guy,” Horton said. “Noah will see some playing time on the varsity this year to help solidify the post game.”
Joshua Daniels returns for his sophomore season after a standout freshman season that saw him average 12.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
“Daniels had an incredible freshman year, led us in about every stat and will look to build off his ability to score inside and out while contributing to the defense side too,” Horton said.
Junior Garret Tindle and freshman Leiden Wilson will be newcomers to watch.
“I think we could continue to work on our basketball IQ’s, and this is where we could make a difference this season with having a couple older players that can really impress on the younger athletes the importance of basketball IQ,” Horton said. “I think there’s a great group of older leaders on the team to push the younger players this season. We just need to keep our confidence this season and know we have the ability to play in games this season.”
Everton opens the season Dec. 2-7 at the Humansville Tournament.
“As the season goes on, I want to see growth as well as getting to play further into tournaments,” Horton said. “I think the past couple of years at Everton has not been something that these boys have seen or been a part of and it would be a great start to build off for years to come. I think a little confidence and to get a taste of winning could go a long way for us this season. The boys are eager to change the culture this season, and so far they have been working non-stop this off-season.”
