Walnut Grove’s boys finally got their long-awaited state championship after holding off Advance for a 65-62 win in last year’s Class 1 State Championship game. The Tigers finished the season 30-3.
All but two players return this season, so the goal is very clear: repeat.
“Our goals are the same every year, and that is to be playing for a title. Our kids are hungry to get back and do it again,” Walnut Grove head coach Darin Meinders said. “We are undefeated in our conference for four years and have only lost one home game in four years. We know that we are always going to get everyone’s best shot and we enjoy that.”
Everything starts with reigning Class 1 Player of the Year Logan Thomazin. The senior tied the state’s career record for 3-point makes last year as a junior with 355, and he has a full season this year to pad that record. He knocked down 135 3-pointers as a junior while averaging 24.9 points per game. He also averaged 7.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
“Logan is a phenom with an amazing ability,” Meinders said. “We expect him to do what he does. He has a chance to go down as one of the best players in Missouri history.”
Hunter Gilkey also returns for his senior season. His non-stop motor was a big reason the Tigers won a state title last year. He led the team in rebounds (nine) and assists (six) per game to go with 13.1 points per game, which was second only to Thomazin.
In the state championship game, Gilkey had 14 points, nine rebounds, eight steals and seven assists.
“Hunter is the hardest working kid I have ever coached,” Meinders said. “He fearlessly and passionately leads our team. He has a motor that simply won’t quit. You can always count on Hunter giving you 110%. His heart, desire, and confidence make him and our team believe that we can beat anyone.”
Juniors Ryan Keith and Dawson Meinders give Walnut Grove two more prolific 3-point shooters alongside Thomazin. The duo knocked down 106 and 77 3-point shots last year, respectively.
“Dawson and Ryan have spent a lot of time in the gym this summer,” Meinders said. “They have switched over to the upperclassmen roles and their experience will give them a more consistent showing. We are expecting big things from both of them this year.”
Cory Countryman and Cole Melton both also return after playing in 31 games apiece last season.
Junior Peyton Verbeck, sophomores Rylee Gavisk and Hunter Deckard and freshmen Zach Hejna and Caidon Clayton all have a chance to play varsity minutes as well.
Walnut Grove opens its title defense on Nov. 21 at Verona.
