By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Waynesville was on the cusp of a district title last season.
After falling short of that goal by one point, the Tigers have spent the offseason gearing up for another try at postseason glory.
Tigers coach Chris Pilz described his 2018-19 varsity squad as a diligent group.
“I don’t know how games we will win, but I like how hard this group works and their togetherness,” Pilz said. “Our players created excitement and energy throughout our entire offseason development program.
“We are faster, stronger and more confident than a year ago. It is a great time to be a Tiger.”
Five experienced seniors and one junior return for Waynesville.
In the backcourt, Carson Cavalier (6’0”) and Gunner Rees lead the way. Cavalier averaged a team-high 17 points per game last season and was a first-team All-Ozark Conference selection.
“He’s much improved on the defensive end from a year ago,” Pilz said. “He will be a solid two-way player this season. Carson has also improved is ball handling, which will make him a tough player to defend.”
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Rees is one of the team’s top shooters and has added strength to his 5’9” frame since last season, Pilz said.
Waynesville boasts impressive length and athleticism in the frontcourt.
Ed Huling, at 6’8”, is a force around the basket.
“He’s one of the best leapers in the Ozark Conference,” Pilz said. “He will add value as a rim protector and a finisher.”
The Tigers feature a trio of 6’3” forwards in seniors Zeke Rogers and Tahja Stewart, along with junior Eric Morris.
“Zeke’s a top defender who will add offensive punch at the rim and behind the arc,” Pilz said. “Tahja is an elite rebounder. He will score in the paint. He has size and strength to dominate on both ends of the floor.”
Morris missed the final three weeks of Waynesville’s 2017-18 season with an injury.
“I really like our chances in games we lost if (Morris) had been available,” Pilz said. “He will score in the paint and outside the arc. He played well on the defensive end and rebounded.”
Waynesville reached its district tournament title game last season but lost 43-42 to Willard. Waynesville finished 16-10 overall, its winningest season since 2015 when Juwan Morgan was a senior.
The Tigers graduated three seniors: David Adams, Caleb Barnes and Tanner Simpson.
Varsity newcomers who could make an impact for the Tigers include juniors Jayden Smith (6’5”) and Shen Butler-Lawson (6’0”), along with sophomore A.J. Martin (6’0”).
“Jayden will play inside and out,” Pilz said. “He will stretch the defense with his 3-point shooting ability. He has a crafty game around the basket and is a good defender with shot-blocking ability.”
Butler-Lawson is perhaps the top player on Waynesville’s football team, but he also excels on the basketball court. He was a key player on Waynesville’s JV basketball team that finished 16-3 overall last season.
“Shen is a strong defender and good passer,” Pilz said. “He will get a chance to show offensive skills this season.”
Pilz praised Martin’s competitiveness and described him as a “relentless” defender.
“We will have a senior-dominated team,” Pilz said. “Our senior class had a challenging varsity experience as sophomores. They went 17-10 as juniors and lost in the district finals by a point. They have spent the offseason preparing to play in big games.”
Two former area head coaches join the Waynesville coaching staff this season. Phillip Gambill (Crocker) and Damon Seiger (Marshfield) will serve as assistant coaches under Pilz.
