By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Hartville boys basketball program has won 12 district titles in the past 13 seasons — an accomplishment most schools can only dream of.
But the Eagles have their sights set on state championships, which made last season particularly tough.
With a chance to repeat as Class 2 champions, Hartville lost an overtime heartbreaker in the opening round of the state tournament at Eugene — then watched their hosts go on to win it all.
While the loss still stings, the Eagles are determined to ensure this season ends differently.
“A very tough place to go on the road and get a win,” Hartville coach Brett Reed said. “We were a possession away from possibly winning another state championship and we will use that as a learning lesson, and it will drive us this year.”
There’s every reason to expect Hartville will remain a championship contender.
Reed’s team returns five players who earned significant varsity experience on last year’s 22-6 squad, including a pair of starters. They’ll be searching for their fifth final Four appearance since 2020 – and fourth state title during that stretch.
“I believe this team has the talent to compete for many championships this season,” Reed said. “We will need to fix a few weaknesses to achieve those goals.”
All-state selection Mason Cogdill headlines Hartville’s deep senior class. The 6-foot-2 standout averaged 15.1 points and 3.1 rebounds last season and was one of the team’s top defenders.
Classmates Boone Garrison, Jordan O’Quinn, Truett Coryell and Gus Sinning are also back, while Brock Jones rejoins the group after missing his junior season.
“We have a large group of seniors that have played together for a long time,” Cogdill said. “We are working hard to defend our culture and tradition each day. We are focused on getting our opportunity to redeem ourselves from last year.”
Garrison was an all-conference and all-district selection after averaging 8.1 points and 5.2 assists per game. Reed said the 6-foot-3 talent is “becoming a better leader each day.”
The coach added Sinning (6-foot-3) is poised for a breakout season after averaging 4.5 points and 2.6 rebounds last year, and touted the basketball IQ and shooting abilities of both O’Quinn (5-foot-10) and Coryell (6-foot-1).
“The experience these guys have had over the last couple of years should serve them well this season,” Reed said.
Junior Hayden Johns (6-foot-2) and sophomore Cole Sinning (6-foot) will provide some much-needed depth as the Eagles prepare for a deep playoff run.
“We have a very tough Summit Conference schedule, and one of the toughest small school non-conference schedules in the state,” Reed said. “We must come focused and ready to play each night.”
Hartville’s first test of the season will once again come at the 92nd Annual Clever Boys Invitational, which begins December 1.
“The boys want to win a state title,” Reed said. “I don’t think they would feel successful if they came up short. Success for me would be to see them grow and come together to be the very best versions of themselves that they can be. If they come each day and give everything they have for this program, I will be proud of them regardless of where they finish.”
