By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The arrow is pointing up for a Glendale boys basketball squad that returns most of its varsity core.
The Falcons have made strides in experience and awareness. That growth could position them as postseason contenders when March arrives.
“We return a large chunk of our nucleus from last season, and our basketball IQ has improved tremendously,” said Falcons coach Brian McTague. “If we play unselfishly and have the toughness we need on defense, we’ll have a great season.”
Glendale welcomes back six varsity players, including three starters.
“We have the skill level to play fast when it’s required and the IQ and toughness to play slow if that’s what it takes to win,” McTague said.
Junior Joelle Rover, a 6’2” guard, returns after a sensational season in which he averaged about 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal per game.
Rover, a second-team All-COC East honoree, is on the shortlist of best dunkers in the Ozarks.
“He’s one of the most explosive players in the area,” McTague said.
Senior guard Jacan Seats (11 ppg, 3.4 assists per game) and junior forward Mar’Kel Houston (9 ppg, 6.5 rebounds per game) also return to the starting lineup.
Seats will be one of Glendale’s primary facilitators. Houston, a starter since his freshman season, has a good motor and a long list of hustle plays in his highlight reel.
“We’ll depend on (Jacan) to be a big focus of everything we do,” McTague said. “(Mar’Kel) is a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.”
Senior guard Zach Hawkins and junior guard Sylijah Davis have starting experience and fill valuable roles.
“Zach is a tough-nosed kid. We’ll need him to make big shots this season,” McTague said. “Sylijah Davis is a heady player who makes winning plays.”
Senior guard Kamron Richardson excels in the intangibles.
“Kamron is our ultimate ‘glue guy’ and does whatever we need him to do,” McTague said.
Glendale finished 14-12 overall last season, marking the program’s fourth straight season with a winning record.
Two additional seniors and a sophomore are expected to join the varsity group this season.
Nehemiah Wright and Luke Roberts give Glendale additional size and versatility. At 6’7”, Wright could have a big defensive presence.
“He has a chance to be a difference-maker on defense for us,” McTague said. “(Luke) is a high-IQ player who can do a little bit of everything.”
Sophomore Lincoln Catlett is a 6’4” forward with nice upside.
“(Lincoln) provides us good size and shooting ability,” McTague said.
The Falcons host Logan-Rogersville, Rolla and Helias Catholic for a jamboree on Nov. 20. Glendale starts the regular season Dec. 3-6 at the Willard Basketball Classic. The home opener is Dec. 16 versus Joplin.
It’s also Glendale’s turn in the annual Blue and Gold holiday tournament.
“In order for us to max out as a team, all of our guys will have to sacrifice, accept their roles and only care about winning,” McTague said.
