By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
After coming up short in the Class 1, District 4 finals in 2015-16 and graduating six seniors from that team, the Bradleyville Eagles reloaded for 2016-17 and accomplished their goal of winning a district title, defeating Dora 77-44.
It’s déjà vu all over again, though, as Bradleyville must again rebuild this season after graduating all five starters and finishing 21-7, ending its season with a 75-69 loss to Eminence in the sectional round.
“New guys will have an opportunity to step up,” Bradleyville coach Josh Hume said.
And, those “new guys” will have some big shoes to step into.
Alex Lehmann, a 6-foot-7 post player, was All-Mark Twain Conference, All-District and All-State; CJ Horsey and Trey Boyd were both All-MTC and All-District selections, while Caiden Cash and Jarell Yeary were All-MTC picks. Josh Fischer was the sixth senior.
Bradleyville’s lone returning senior is Riley Combs, whom Hume describes as “a talented post player who brings experience.” Combs averaged 4.4 points per game and three rebounds.
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Junior Brady Rogers averaged 7.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2.4 assists per game. “Brady is a competitor who got better as the year went on,” Hume said. “I look for him to have a great year.”
Caleb Blair, who averaged 2.2 ppg and 2.4 rpg, “had a great offseason and has become a more versatile player,” Hume said.
Sophomore Ethan Todd (2.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg) can play inside or outside.
The Eagles have several newcomers Hume will be able to add into the mix.
• Chastin Curtis – “A quick athletic guard with great potential.”
• Gavin Lux – “A freshman guard who can shoot from the perimeter.”
• Owen Smith – “A freshman guard who can shoot from deep.”
• Braxton Ham – “A young post player with a bright future.”
• Wesley Jennings – “A quick guard who can shoot from the perimeter.”
“We will be competitive this year,” Hume said. “We like to play an up-tempo style of basketball. Our guys will be conditioned for that.
“Our challenge will be our depth. With graduating six seniors, we will be looking to fill some spots in the rotation. The X-factor for us will be how well our young guys respond to varsity competition.”
The Eagles open the season on Nov. 17 at home against Seymour, and will host the Bradleyville Invitational on Dec. 13. They will also be competing in the Mark Twain Conference Tournament on Jan. 15-20.
“One of our key matchups will be against School of the Ozarks on Dec. 8,” Hume said. “They are the favorite to win the conference. Dora is the team to beat in the district. They have possibly the best freshman class in the area.”
