By Chris Parker
Blayne Armstrong’s first season as head coach of the Billings boys basketball program was a definite success.
The team bounced back from two straight losing seasons to win 17 games and the program’s first district title since 2012.
“Our kids bought into what my assistant and I were preaching to them in year one last year,” Armstrong said. “We grew as the year went on and were a better team come March than when we started in November.”
This year’s team will be a younger squad.
“We will be young this year, potentially starting three sophomores,” Armstrong said. “These kids are hungry to get better and I’m hoping to see some growth from a lot of our returners.”
Another change for Billings this year is a new conference, as the Wildcats move from the SWCL to the newly formed Greater Ozarks Conference.
“We are excited about the opportunity to compete in the GOC and all of the challenges it brings,” Armstrong said. “We are the smallest school in the conference and will play some great talent that will help prepare us for post-season basketball.”
A pair of honorable mention all-conference players in Dylan Edwards and Chance Shaffer return this season.
Edwards is a senior who averaged 6.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season.
“Dylan was always eager to learn. I had to kick him out of the gym on most nights after practice because he was taking what we were teaching in practice and repping it over and over. His drive and willingness to do the dirty work makes him extremely valuable to our program,” Armstrong said. “I expect him to take some of those younger kids under his wing and teach them how to work hard. He’s outmatched in height most nights we step on the court, but I know that we will always have the hardest worker and competitor in his position with him on our team.”
Shaffer, a sophomore, is the leading returning scorer after he averaged 11.9 points per game last season. He also had 3.1 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
“Chance is a gym rat. He loves the game of basketball, and it shows as he carries a basketball around at school just in case he has an opportunity to get shots up. He had his slumps, as any freshman would in the varsity game, but he showed up and competed for us and really took charge of our point guard position down the stretch. I expect him to step it up defensively this year and really round out his game,” Armstrong said. “Chance is a playmaker. He is a spark for us offensively and is just one make away from going on a run and hitting two, three or four three’s in a row at any point throughout the game.”
Justin Bos (sophomore guard), Brock Garbee (senior guard) and Brock Harter (junior center) also return.
Bos scored 5.1 points per game with 4.5 rebounds.
“Justin ended up being one of our best defenders last season,” Armstrong said. “He has worked hard on the offensive end this off season and I expect him to get better defensively, and make leaps and bounds offensively for us. He stepped up as a freshman last year and was never scared to guard anyone. I admire his grit and competitiveness on the floor.”
Garbee will look to expand his role this season.
“Brock has a knack for the game of basketball,” Armstrong said. “He is one of our most intelligent players on our roster in terms of basketball IQ. He is extremely coachable and is always giving his best effort while having a good attitude. I look forward to watching him contribute for us his senior year.”
Harter added in 3.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
“Brock will be expected to pull down a lot of rebounds and defend well around the rim for us,” Armstrong said. “He’s another kid that loves the game of basketball and is always working to get better.”
Sophomore Kaiden Blakemore and senior Colin Moore are newcomers to watch.
Armstrong on Blakemore: “I am extremely proud of Kaiden and his willingness to buy in and put in the work. If he continues to work this hard, I expect great things from him this year and the years to come. He’s another kid who just loves the game and loves to compete in whatever he’s doing.”
Armstrong on Moore: “Colin has had one of the better off seasons for us and has really gained some confidence on both ends. I expect him to make an impact for us and be the difference in some games this season. In the weight room he has put on about 25 pounds of muscle since last season.”
Toughness will be a hallmark of Billings boys basketball.
“My goal for my teams is to always be the toughest and hardest working team on the floor,” Armstrong said. “If we can achieve that, that will be our biggest strength. We want every game to feel like a grind to the opposing teams because of our unwavering grit and toughness.”
Billings opens the regular season on Nov. 29 against Winona in the Current River Shootout at Van Buren.
“I want to see growth for each kid individually and as a teammate,” Armstrong said. “I want my kids to learn how to compete at a high level, while being the best teammate they can be. I hold my kids to a high standard and expect them to always have their best attitude and effort. If along the way to being a selfless competitor we can put the ball in the hoop and defend that’s always a plus.”
