By Chris Parker
Branson boys basketball broke through last season with the program’s first winning record since 2016 posting a 14-13 record overall.
The Pirates have been building throughout head coach Pete McBride’s tenure and hope the momentum continues this season.
“We have really tried to build from within during our three years here,” McBride said. “We have good coaches on our staff and have pushed the kids to be really competitive and have a lot of pride in our program. That’s something that has to be earned and we feel like we are making strides. The next step for us is to get in championship situations whether it’s in tournaments or conference title games. We have put together a tremendous schedule this season that will prove our worth as a basketball program.”
Part of that schedule is the tough Ozark Mountain Conference which enters its second season of existence.
“What a great league to be in,” McBride said. “I think people found out at the Blue and Gold that the conference was for real. We had four teams in the semifinals and maybe the area’s best team in Rogersville. The five other teams were all good and had a lot of parity. We finished second in the league last year but had tough games night in and night out.”
Griffin Mehrhoff returns for his junior season after earning second-team all-conference honors last season.
“First off and most importantly, Griff is just a great person,” McBride said. “He loves basketball and spends a lot of time working on his game. He has come a long way in being a more physical player on offense and a very good player on the defensive end as well. As a player, he is one of the top shooters in the area and is very good in transition as well.”
Mehrhoff, who can play all five positions on either end of the floor, will have an expanded leadership role this season.
“I expect (Mehrhoff) to take a much bigger leadership role within the team and the locker room,” McBride said. “I want him to be much more vocal on the floor and separate himself as one of the top players in the area.”
Fellow junior Caden Cooper came off the bench last season and returns to the varsity lineup.
“He (Cooper) competed very well and more than held his own in the paint,” McBride said. “He is an excellent passer and rebounder and has improved his offense.”
A host of newcomers will see varsity action including Jett James, Tred Houston, Wyatt Ray, Caleb Villaruaz, Heston Toombs, Cy Tolivar, Fox Ascone and Caleb Quiring.
McBride on James: “Jett is one of the top underclassmen in the area. He excelled at the JV level and had some varsity minutes as a freshman last season. He has improved tremendously in the off season and will have a major role on our team. He excels in transition and is an elite competitor.”
McBride on Houston: “Tred had a really good spring and summer of basketball during club and our summer program. He is an elite athlete who can put a tremendous amount of pressure on the ball. He is very good in transition and will make a major impact on our team this season.”
McBride on Ray: “Wyatt is a high-level shooter who is an elite competitor. He brings an edge to our team on both ends of the floor and will be one of our leaders on and off the floor.”
McBride on Villaruaz: “Caleb is a senior shooting guard that is a very high IQ player who is a very good shooter and passer. He will bring leadership to our team at the senior level.”
McBride on Toombs: “Heston is a 6-foot-4 senior post who has gained a lot of strength and skill development over the offseason. He will make a major impact at both ends of the floor for our team.”
McBride on Tolivar: “Cy is a skilled guard with a great work ethic. He is also a physical defender with a high motor.”
McBride on Ascone: “Fox is a senior forward who has the ability to score and rebound. He will bring a spark to our team night end and night out.”
McBride on Quiring: “Caleb is a senior forward who has length and athleticism. He will bring senior leadership to our team.”
All of these players give McBride depth to lean on this season.
“We have a lot of depth this year,” McBride said. “I think there are times we could be 8-10 players deep when needed. We have a great mix of guards and forwards who are athletic and move very well.”
McBride wants to see his team be more vocal on the court.
“The biggest thing for us is to really improve our communication,” McBride said. “We are too quiet on the floor and the best teams are vocal and communicate at a very high level.”
Branson opens its season Dec. 1-6 at the Forsyth Tournament.
“This is a young team, but we have a tremendous upside,” McBride said. “It will be successful for us if we share the ball at a high level and continue to improve as communicators on and off the floor. With a lot of chemistry and determination this team could be a contender in the postseason.”
