By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Houston Tigers will start fresh with a new coach and a new team this season.
The team graduated nine and welcomed head coach Jim Moore, who transitions from leading the girls’ team. The Tigers ended last season in district play in a tightly contested game against MV/BT Liberty with a 13-12 overall record.
Despite starting anew, the team has talent.
Ty Franklin earned an all-conference honorable mention in his breakout season last year. The 6’5, 165-pound senior attacks the basket and has the ability to play inside or out, and thus causes match-up problems for the other team. “I think he could be one of the better players in our area if he continues to work hard on his game,” said Moore. He averaged 11 points per game last year.
Junior Korbyn Tune is also a familiar face for the Tigers. The 6’6, 215-pound junior “is a load on the inside,” said his coach. “He does a good job of using his frame to post up.” Tune has the ability to take over a game and is poised for a breakout season of his own.
Junior Jacob Moseley (6’4”) is a hard worker who will look to contribute on boards and at the basket.
The Tigers welcome a host of newcomers who have worked to integrate into the team in the offseason. Junior Noah Gulick (6’3”) is a move-in who started as a sophomore at Galena. Moore said he brings energy to both ends of the floor, sees the floor well, and has a nose for the ball.
Sophomore Brody McNew (6’3”) moved in from Mountain Grove, where he played varsity minutes as a freshman. McNew has a high game IQ, solid work ethic, and mental toughness “that will hopefully be contagious for us this season,” said his coach.
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Josh Smith, junior, has developed his game in the offseason on both ends of the floor. He can play inside and out and should log key varsity minutes.
Garyn Hall is the Tigers’ new point guard. The sophomore is quick with range in his jump shot and an ability to attack the basket. He’s also a skilled defender who can put pressure on the ball.
Junior Tanner Lee has improved ball handling, range, and attacking the rim and can run the floor well.
Hunter McKinney, junior, will be a threat from downtown and the Tigers will specifically rely on him for kick-out threes. “Hunter is a smart player who understands his role,” said Coach Moore.
Senior Evan Fisher rounds out the team; he is a scrappy player with the potential to hit big shots.
“These guys have been waiting for their turn for a couple of years,” said Coach Moore. “We graduated nine seniors last year, and they know they are about to show everyone what they can do. They have worked hard to improve.”
“They will play with a chip on their shoulder,” added Moore. “They know no one around our area thinks they are going to be any good and they are (using) it as motivation.”
The Tigers host Licking Nov. 23 to open their season.
