By Justin Sampson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Eminence enjoyed the most coveted of off seasons, the kind where you get to spend the spring as state champions. The Redwings have been the toast of the town of less than 600 people after winning 32 straight games last winter and hoisting the Class 1 trophy at nearby JQH Arena.
“If I told you we didn’t enjoy that championship to the max, I’d be lying to you,” head coach Pete McBride said.
That being said, McBride has been around long enough to know when business is at hand.
“Once we got to the summer and got this year’s team together, we had to shift our focus. It’s still there with you because people want to talk to us about it, but it’s all about turning the page so we can accomplish good things with this team.”
As Eminence prepares for its title defense, it does so with a confidence that not many Class 1 teams can implement. All-state selection Ethan Drake is out the door, but there is ample leadership and experience in tow.
It starts with the father-son tandem: McBride, the reigning Class 1 Coach of the Year, and his son, Trent, the Co-Player of the Year. He is one of six seniors on 2018-2019 squad and four seniors that are back in the starting lineup.
McBride averaged a double-double as a junior, carrying a team-high of 18.5 points and 11.2 rebounds into his final campaign.
He will be flanked by the Dyer twins, Grant and Wade, who combined for over 20 points and 12 boards per game. Wade is the leading candidate to replace Drake in the point guard role.
Fellow senior Reece Parrish will also make a comeback from an ACL tear in January.
“This senior group has been playing together in leagues, school, and travel ball since first grade,” said McBride. “They have a lot of pride in themselves. It hasn’t been difficult just because of the leadership that we have.”
It’s that familiarity with each other and the program that makes McBride confident that the Redwings can hit the ground running.
“We’re not going to change a lot of what we do. It’s just: can we execute late in the game when the pressure is on. Ethan (Drake) made a lot of big shots for us last year, so who is going to step up to hit a big three when we need one? Winning those close games defines who you are.”
The primary change will be mental. McBride is aware that Eminence will be circled on every schedule just as they were in 2013 after winning its last state title. He believes his players carry the talent and experience to answer the challenge.
“Last year, we were the hunters. If we were playing the state champion, that’s what we would sell the kids to motivate them. We’re going to get everybody’s best game. We need to use that as motivation and I think getting our kids to embrace that will be key for us.”
“It’s a proud group. We need to be ready to play because our early schedule is fantastic. If you’re not clicking early, we’re going to take some losses.”
