By Dana Harding
For the second time in as many years, Webb City has a new boys basketball coach.
After spending the last four seasons at Neosho, Jason Horn takes the helm vacated by Jeff Guiot, who moved on to Greene County Tech in Paragould, Arkansas.
Horn inherits a Cardinals team that finished 21-7 last season, losing 73-57 in a sectional matchup with Glendale.
Both of Horn’s previous stints at Neosho and Southwest were rebuilds of young, inexperienced teams. His 94-62 mark at Southwest makes him the winningest coach in school history for the Trojans.
Despite its previous success, Webb City could pose a similar rebuilding challenge.
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The Cardinals graduated six seniors in Kaden Roy, Zach Davidson, Tyson Roderique, Tate Smith, Preston Ellis and O.B. King. Horn will look to replace four starting spots on the floor, as well as valuable senior leadership.
“I think the expectations are much higher coming into Webb City but my approach will remain the same,” Horn said. “I think the kids we have are a perfect fit for my style of play. We have a very athletic group that will be able to fast offensively and pressure the basketball defensively.”
Leading that group will be returning starter Trey Gibson. A 6’1” senior guard, Gibson is a strong, physical player able to score from the perimeter as well as at the rim. Averaging 6.4 ppg last season, Gibson will be asked to do much more for Webb City this season as a senior leader.
Joining Gibson will be a host of varsity newcomers.
While inexperienced, the new Cardinals provide Horn with a great deal of versatility and several players like Gibson who can score both inside and out.
These players include juniors Alex Pickett, Grant Ellis, Colton Carpenter, Javis Berlin and Kyle Nichols.
Horn also noted a pair of underclassmen who could play significant roles this season in sophomore Alex Gaskill and freshman Terrell Kabala.
“Terrell is a great athlete with tremendous upside,” Horn said. “He has a chance to make an immediate impact at the varsity level.”
Webb City’s versatility will be a definite strength, and Horn hopes it can help overcome some of the early challenges faced by young, inexperienced teams. How quickly the group is able to mesh with a new system and varsity speed will determine the Cardinals’ early-season success.
Horn also looks to his overall defense as a measuring stick for the season.
“Our guys need to embrace a defensive mindset,” Horn said. “Our staff will need to challenge our players to improve their on-ball defense and make sure our defensive rotations are solid.”
Horn’s experience and overall familiarity with the Central Ozarks Conference large division should also pay dividends for the Cardinals.
“This conference is extremely tough,” Horn said. “Your team has to be ready to compete at a high level every night. I think it’s an advantage coming to a new school having familiarity with the COC Large.”
The Cardinals begin play Nov. 18 at the Lebanon Jamboree with Lebanon, Rolla and School of the Osage. Lamar then travels to Webb City for the regular season tip-off Dec. 6.
