By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Ozark boys basketball program finished 14-13 in Jayme Donnelly’s first year as head coach, posting a winning record for the first time since the 2021-22 campaign.
That gives the Tigers some momentum heading into this winter.
“Our group did a good job of setting up a solid foundation for us to build on going into Year Two,” Donnelly said. “With that, our guys have been more comfortable with our concepts, lingo and overall understanding of what we need to do to be successful.”
While four members of the starting lineup have graduated, the Tigers do bring back three players who played significant roles on last year’s team. Juniors Kylan Pickren and Hendrix Haymes and senior Jacob Harmon will all be a big part of Ozark’s success this winter.
“I believe the core players we have returning will set the tone and expectation with those coming in with less varsity experience,” Donnelly said.
Pickren led the Tigers in scoring as a sophomore, averaging 20 points per game en route to all-conference and all-district honors. He’s grown to 6-foot-5 and should be even better this year.
“Kylan shoots a high percentage at all three levels and also led us in rebounding,” Donnelly said. “We are looking forward to seeing Kylan continue to develop his game and take on a bigger leadership role within our team.”
Haymes, a 6-foot-6 post, averaged 5 points and 4 rebounds off the bench last season. With a chance to be a full-time starter this year, look for those numbers to rise significantly.
“Hendrix will be one of the biggest players in the area this year and (we) will look forward to his ability to use his footwork and size in the post as well as his basketball IQ and passing ability,” Donnelly said. “We are looking forward to seeing Hendrix be more consistent and also taking on a bigger leadership role.”
Harmon played his way into the rotation last year and finished with 4 points per game. Standing 6-foot-4, he’ll also play an even more prominent role in the months ahead.
“He is someone who plays with a lot of energy and will be one of our best defenders this year,” Donnelly said. “We will look to him for leadership and toughness within our team.”
Varsity newcomers Nathan Burden, Coleston Malina, Jett Easley, Jack Sallie and Brandon Brown have all been particularly impressive this offseason and could slot into Donnelly’s plans.
Donnelly on Burden, a senior guard: “Nathan has been a good leader coming into this season and will be looking to provide playmaking ability and being consistent with his leadership.”
Donnelly on Malina, a senior guard: “Coleston is one of our better shooters and will be looked to hit open shots and space the floor.”
Donnelly on Easley, a junior point guard: “Jett is a great athlete and overall one of our toughest players. We will look to him to set the tone on defense and use his athleticism to create advantages on offense.”
Donnelly on Sallie, a junior guard: “Jack has been one of our hardest workers this offseason and one of our most consistent shooters. We will rely on his lead-by-example leadership and floor spacing he creates by hitting open shots.”
Donnelly on Brown, a freshman point guard: “Brandon is a very mature player for his age and plays with great vision at the point guard position. We will look to Brandon to be a coach on the floor and provide consistent toughness with his day-to-day approach on both ends.”
Ozark will also benefit from senior center Brady Altermatt and junior guard/forward Blayne Altermatt, who transferred from Willow Springs and could make an immediate impact.
“Having only a few returners with varsity experience, it’s going to be a question of how quickly can those newcomers get confidence and settle into the varsity level of play,” Donnelly said. “I know those players are looking forward to the challenge and ready to take that next step.”
The Tigers will host Hillcrest and Kickapoo for a November 19 jamboree, then open the regular season with a November 25 visit to West Plains.
“I think our biggest strength is having a good balance between our post and guard play,” Donnelly said. “We have several guys that are capable of hitting open shots and creating on the perimeter, which will help open up opportunities for our post players to work close to the basket. Having a balanced attack will be key in our success this year.”
