By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
No area large-class program on the boys’ side has seen the success that Rogersville has over the last three years. That uptick coincided with the return of local coaching great John Schaefer. All he’s done in his three years at Rogersville is guide the program to a 68-22 record with three district championships, an Elite Eight appearance and a Final Four run.
Leading scorers Cade Blevins and Josh Linehan are gone after leading the Wildcats in scoring. Blevins, who is currently at D2 Washburn University, was also the Big 8 Player of the Year and a Class 4 All-State selection.
But, there is plenty of firepower returning for Rogersville in the form of experienced seniors Kanon Gipson, Zach Bergmann and JJ O’Neal.
Gipson is the team’s returning scoring leader (9.4 points) but also led Rogersville in assists (4.6 per game) as a junior. He will be one of the top playmakers in the Ozarks this winter.
“Kanon has grown up physically – he’s 6-foot-3 now – and mentally so that will make him a huge asset to our team this year,” said Schaefer. “He has a high skill level as a point guard and has the ability to score as well.”
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Bergmann and O’Neal bring a ton of athleticism to the table for Rogersville. Bergmann led the Wildcats in rebounding (6.3 per game), while also adding 5.1 points. O’Neil added 5.6 points and a team-high 2.5 steals.
They’ll be two of the best defenders in the Big 8.
Senior Max Goff gives Rogersville another guard that can make perimeter jumpers. Junior Jordan Williams will boost athleticism and give another threat off the bounce, while classmate Gage Blevins is another jumper shooter that is also great on the glass. Sophomore Curry Sutherland, a 6-foot-3 guard, gives Schaefer a weapon that can score at all three levels.
This group will have to establish new roles, but don’t expect a decline just because familiar names like Blevins, Strong, Vandersnick, etc. have graduated over the last few years. The Class of 2021 has played in several big games and fully expects to again challenge for conference and district championships.
“Most of the new faces have had the experience, yet some may be limited although they are mostly juniors who have played a lot over the years,” said Schaefer. “All are pretty hungry to make their mark. I think this group will have the same opportunities as the last three teams have had. Our goal is always to win a conference and district title. The expectations will not be any lower and I know our guys will work to make those goals become realities. This year’s team will not have the size as we have had in the past, but then again not many teams do. I look for this team to find its own identity and continue the success of our program.”
Rogersville will open the 2020-21 season on Dec. 3 at the Republic Tournament.
