By Justin Sampson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Rolla Bulldogs have managed to avoid a losing season this decade as they continue to prove themselves as one of the steadiest programs in the area. Last winter, they turned in an 18-9 record and put a senior on the Class 4 All-State Team for the second straight year.
That honoree, Alec Buhr, is now at North Arkansas College. In all, four seniors that were regular starters are no longer in Rolla uniforms, a reality that is not foreign to 12th-year head coach Mark Miller.
“It is a big job to fill their shoes. When you lose an All-Stater, that’s hard to replace,” he said. “The guys just started right away after last year and they’re ready to go. They were in spring basketball and have taken seriously their need for weight training and conditioning. They’re dedicated to the program.”
The Bulldogs do return four seniors and four starters, two of which were regular sights in the top lineup a year ago. Muluken Pritchett, a 6’0” guard, is back for his final varsity campaign after averaging 7.0 points and 2.3 rebounds as a junior.
Lengthy junior Trey Brown also returns after proving himself to be one of Rolla’s biggest assets. He is the reigning leader in virtually every category (9.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.8 APG) and can be a force both inside and beyond the arc. At 6’5”, he managed to be the biggest presence on the board while leading the Bulldogs in three-point percentage as a sophomore.
Siblings Jack and Adam Hounsom will also play varsity ball together for the first time. Jack, a senior and quarterback in the fall, has developed into a team leader and an example of mental and physical toughness. Adam, a 6’2” sophomore, spent last winter playing on the freshmen team and has surprised coaches with his quick development.
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“Adam will be a big part of what we do this year. His athleticism is second-to-none,” said Miller. “He can play inside or outside and is probably our best defender on the entire team. He will be fun to watch over the next few years.”
Ben Colench and Colby Shivers round out the group of seniors. Shivers started a handful of games last winter as he proved himself to be a difficult matchup on most nights. He will run the point and is expected to continue improving on his prowess as a rebounder.
Miller also praised Colench for his ability to play above his size in the paint.
Juniors Danny Foster (6’4”), Connor Joyce (6’1”), and Patrick Blair (6’0”) will fill out the roster and compete for minutes.
“This group is extremely unselfish. We share the basketball well. We’re also balanced. We’ve got shooters, size, and solid guards who know what to do. Our bigs can take you outside and shoot the three.”
Miller and the Bulldogs are not buying into the notion that talent lost equals a season full of question marks. His focus right now is continuing to build his team’s strength and endurance. After they find their legs in the early portion of the season, he expects they will be a tough out again.
“I think it’s going to be another fun season. Most people consider us in need of some rebuilding, but I think we will surprise some of them.”
Rolla opens the year on Dec. 10 at St. James.
