2016-17 basketball preview: El Dorado Springs Boys

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By Dana Harding

Apologies to Thomas Wolfe but, apparently, you can go home again.

Entering the first year of his second coaching stint at El Dorado Springs, Joel Braden looks to build upon last season’s 6-19 record.

He also brings an interesting context to the team.

Braden’s former team, Lamar, knocked the Bulldogs out of last season’s district tournament in the first round.

“Being at a different school and coaching against the team just gives a different perspective,” Braden said. “I hope that I have become a better coach and hope my experience can help us improve.”

Braden’s first task will be replacing a group of seniors led by Ben Middleton. El Dorado Springs’ leading scorer from last season, Middleton now plays at Ozark Christian College in Joplin.

Other graduates include Landon Smith, Spencer Young, Lance Molz and Cody McNeece.

Despite the departures, Braden feels there is a lot of returning talent on the roster.

Seniors Riley Boyd and Shane Trowbridge figure to lead the way on the court.

The 6’2” Boyd is a solid inside-and-out player who leads the returning Bulldogs in both scoring and rebounding.

Trowbridge, an athletic 6’1” starter, is expected to pick up an increased scoring load for the team this season.

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The two are joined by Jake Schieffer, Trey Babcock and Wyatt Graves.

Newcomers to the varsity roster include Shelby McKinney, Brandon Hayes, Kaiden Simmons (who returns to the program after missing last season with a knee injury) and Brenden Reddick.

“We have a lot of kids who want to be better at basketball,” Braden said. “We are hoping some of these players step up and really work to be better players and help make the team better.”

While optimistic, Braden believes it will take some time for his team to approach its potential.

“We will probably struggle early in the season adjusting to a new coach, new offensive system and having a lot of players who have not had a lot of varsity minutes,” Braden said. “We need to improve our skill level and hope to compete by the end of the year.”

While El Dorado Springs does not play in a conference, the school is not without its rivals.

Stockton and Nevada, each within a mere 20 minutes, serve as primary rivals to the Bulldogs.

If nearby rivals aren’t enough, Braden’s former team, Lamar, lurks on the latter part of the schedule.

Braden hopes the proximity to the program and experience gained during his former stint pays dividends this time around.

“It does make a difference having some familiarity in place,” Braden said. “The transition back to a school is easier than moving to a new school. Previous success helps a little but most kids want to know that you care and know that you are knowledgeable in what you are teaching them.”

As for a season outlook, Braden simply hopes to show gradual improvement on a daily basis.

“The basketball program has had 5 straight losing seasons,” Braden said. “It is difficult to get a program out of the losing mentality. If they players buy in and commit to the program, improvements will happen quickly.”

El Dorado Springs tips off its 2016-17 season Nov. 28 in the Warsaw Tournament.

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