By Dana Harding
Heading into his third season at the helm, Carl Junction head coach Skip Brock is challenging his team to focus on the process, not the outcome.
Following a turbulent 3-23 campaign that saw the exodus of several varsity players, the 2016 Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame inductee is looking to continue rebuilding the program he took over in 2014. Carl Junction also looks to establish itself as the newest member of the competitive Central Ozarks Conference-Large Division.
Brock’s career record of 433-315 certainly speaks for itself.
During two lengthy stints at Mt. Vernon (1987-93, 2002-14), Brock guided teams to a fourth-place finish in the Class 3 state tournament in 2006, 2010 and 2012.
“Losing several varsity level players after the season started thrust some of our underclassmen, including two freshmen, into varsity roles,” Brock said. “But we believe that the experience has made our returners stronger and given a program an opportunity to develop additional mental toughness.”
Seth Towery, the lone senior to finish last season, has graduated, and Brock will look to his returning squad to replace Towery’s leadership and mentoring.
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“Seth will be missed,” Brock said. “He epitomizes what a great teammate should look like.”
While last season proved to be challenging, Carl Junction’s roster is now full of players with valuable experience at the varsity level.
Leading the way is sophomore Trent Smith, the Bulldogs leading scorer and rebounder as a freshman. A versatile player, the 6’5” Smith can play inside or outside, creating matchup problems for defenses.
“During the off-season, Trent has expanded his game and has the potential to be a special player in high school,” Brock said. “He has the ability to make teammates around him better, which is something that is needed in one of your best players.”
Fellow sophomore Nakoa Warren also took advantage of varsity opportunities last season. The 5’11” guard has the capability to be an outstanding 3-point shooter for the Bulldogs, according to Brock.
At 6’5”, junior Will Beebe gives Carl Junction some additional length at the wing. Beebe can play any of the five positions on the court and possesses a high basketball IQ.
ZeyShawn Weston joined the starting lineup late in the season. The athletic 6’ senior showed great improvement throughout the season at both ends of the court and will be counted on for his defensive abilities.
Floor general Brendon Hoberecht rounds out Carl Junction’s returning group. The 5’7” junior took over the starting point guard role early in the season and never looked back.
Fueled by last season’s challenges, Brock believes the Bulldogs will be battle-tested and ready to make great strides.
“Among our strengths is the mental toughness that our guys that returned developed during last season,” Brock said. “We believe that we are closer to establishing a championship culture that we came here to build two seasons ago.”
While the Bulldogs enter the COC-Large for the first time, several members are regulars on the Carl Junction schedule. As for further expectations, Brock will continue focusing on the process.
“We have been playing several members of the conference the last two seasons, so we know how good this league is and how competitive we must become to have a chance,” Brock said. “We hope that our difficult schedule prepares us for an opportunity to compete for a district
championship. Again, if we work hard and do the right things, we believe we can compete.”
Carl Junction travels to the Carthage jamboree on Nov. 18 with Carthage, Mount Vernon and Greenfield. The Bulldogs open the regular season Dec. 8 in the Rogers, Arkansas, Arvest Hoopfest.
