By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Salem will bring size and speed to shake up the SCA in 2020.
“This season is going to be an extension of last season’s goals,” said Bryan Carty, who enters his second year at the helm. “We went from back-to-back 8-win seasons to winning 13 games last year.”
Carty said his team had quality unexpected wins last season versus teams like West Plains and Rolla. However, Rolla bested Salem in the Class 4, District 9 championship by five points.
“Our goal was to improve every day and treat every game as the biggest game of the season,” said Carty. “We did that and we will continue to move forward with that same mindset and see where it takes us. Last year, it took us to the district championship and I feel we have the tools and pieces to be right back there again. We will be the hardest playing team in the gym every night.”
The Tigers did suffer significant graduation losses. Three-year starter Reese Dodson was the team’s floor leader and leading scorer with just over 1,000 points in his career. Carter Chilton was the top rebounder with the highest three-point percentage. “He hit some huge buckets for us in several games,” said Carty. Silas Wulff drew more than 30 charges last year and out-hustled everyone on the floor. Dawson Conway was the second guard on the floor and defended the other team’s best guard.
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Three starters return. Lucas Morrison is a 6’9, 285-pound senior who will draw attention due to his size. “He has very good hands around the basket, the ability to shoot from just about anywhere, and his passing ability is surprising to many people,” said his coach.
Senior Braiden Carmack is athletic and will be tough for teams to man one-on-one. At 6’3, 165 pounds, Carmack can drive to the rim and has beefed up his perimeter shooting as well.
Junior Garrett Connell is a strong athlete who looks to fill Carter Chilton’s role as leading rebounder. At 6’2 and 185, he will also guard opponents’ most athletic big man. “He is a fierce competitor who has the ability to get to the rim on just about anyone,” said Carty.
New faces in the varsity lineup include senior Ethan Simpson, who has had a stellar offseason. “He has played extremely well in summer games and could easily be a starter,” said Carty.
Classmate Josh Arzt, 6’3” and 195 pounds, could also make the starting lineup as a rebounder with the ability to shoot the ball on the perimeter.
Gunnar Konkel, sophomore, will look to take over Reese Dodson’s former spot at point guard. “Gunnar is a very capable ball handler and has a calm demeanor,” said Coach Carty.
Sophomore Easton May will also challenge for varsity minutes. “He is the hardest working, most competitive kid on the team,” said his coach. “He has the ability to be the best defender on the floor and will look to be that blue-collar guy who makes every single hustle play.”
Easton’s brother, freshman Bryson May, is a skilled ball handler with a high basketball IQ. “He makes plays that nobody else can just because he understands the game better,” said Carty.
Levi Smith missed last season thanks to a knee injury and has worked to recover. The Tigers will gladly welcome back their skilled perimeter shooter.
“This group is going to be special to me not because of the number of wins they may get or the accolades they may earn but because this group of seniors is the first group I have had for all four years,” said Carty. “I’ve watched them grow and mature and I want them to be successful this season. No matter how successful we are this year, it will be fun watching these kids compete.”
The Tigers host Newburg to open their season Nov. 21.
