2016-17 basketball preview: Eminence Boys

eminence-boys

By Amanda Perkins

The Redwings picked up their fourth district title in five years before falling in the sectional playoff round last season, ending with a 15-14 record. Pete McBride returns the majority of his team to make another run at a state title in his twenty-first year of coaching at Eminence.

“Although we are still relatively young in age, we have a lot of experience returning,” said McBride. “We play a very tough schedule for a Class 1 school, but believe it plays an important factor in our success.”
He expects his team to contend for conference and district titles, noting the team’s chemistry and previous successes from years of playing together.

“They’re hungry to get our program from the rebuilding stage to the elite stage again.”

Coach McBride’s son, Trent, led the team last season in his freshman debut. The 6’6” wing player averaged 16.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, putting up 22 points in the team’s sectional loss to School of the Ozarks.
According to Coach McBride, Trent has improved his strength and athleticism. “His defense on the back end of our pressure will be a key to our success,” he said.

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Trent McBride is also likely to reach 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds in his sophomore season, considering he amassed 462 points and 260 rebounds in his breakout year.

Also returning is starting six-foot point guard Ethan Drake, who brings his skill and grit along with 6 points per game to his junior season. Drake connected on four three-pointers in the second half of the district championship game.

Pete McBride said his distribution of the basketball to teammates in positions to score will be another key to the team’s success, as will his ability to pressure the basketball.

Robert Keeling, 5’10” junior, is a physical guard whose on-the-ball pressure will set the tone for the defense. “He loves to play defense and will take multiple charges per game,” said McBride. “He is a tough, unselfish guard who will play a large role on our team this year.”

Kyndall Copeland averaged 9 points and 2.8 rebounds for his sophomore campaign and enters his third year as a varsity starter. The 6’2” junior is a team leader with an important defensive presence, and “he is a knockdown midrange shooter who never stops cutting on offense,” said his coach.

Grant Dyer enters his sophomore season with a healthy stat line from last season, averaging 4.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.7 steals in just 16 games. The 6’3” athlete will be essential to the team’s pressure.

Wade Dyer has the ability to deflect passes and rotate on defense, and will also be fundamental to Eminence’s pressure. The 6’2” sophomore is an athletic guard who can connect from downtown and finish above the rim in transition, as well as knock down the jumper.

Reece Parrish is the final returning player. “His defensive effort in our press and shooting ability will be a big key for our team this year,” said McBride. The 6’2” sophomore is an athletic guard who can run the floor.

Newcomers include junior guard Taylor Harlow, a leader and gifted shooter. Sophomores Morgan O’Dell, Wyatt Spurgin, and Landen Matteson also join the crew. O’Dell (6’2”) moves up from success at the JV level and helps provide a defensive presence in the paint. Spurgin didn’t play last season, but will move into a guard position and is a threat from behind the arc. Matteson will help supply the team with extra possessions as a defender and rebounder.

The Redwings lose Briar Dodson, who contributed 6.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game and connected on 42 three-point shots to lead the team in threes. Post defender Jake Smith and guard Kyle Conway were assets off the bench for the team.

“One of our major strengths will be our many ways to score,” said Coach McBride. “We are very athletic and can get out and push the basketball while attacking and putting pressure on defenses in transition. We have guys that can shoot the 3-point shot off penetration and post kicks, while also having a mix of slashers that can create off the dribble. This team also has an ability to rebound on the offensive end to create put-backs and extra possessions. In the half-court, we have a strong post presence that will be a tough match-up for many teams.”

McBride said that a factor in the team’s success will be their ability to pressure the basketball. Their size also naturally lends to rebounding and protecting the paint. “Our maturity and how we evolve throughout the season on both ends of the floor will determine how far we can go,” he said.

McBride holds a career record of 322-220. He has led the Redwings to 8 district titles, four state quarterfinal games, and the 2013 state championship.

Eminence opens the season against Van Buren.

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