By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The 1995 comedy film Tommy Boy is better known for providing laughs than life lessons, but Bolivar boys basketball coach Robby Hoegh can find wisdom just about anywhere.
In one of the film’s most memorable moments, Chris Farley’s character nervously reenacts a sales call at a diner table. He coddles a dinner roll like it’s his prized deal, petting and praising it — until overeager energy takes over and he pulverizes it as a co-worker and waitress look on.
“He wants it too much — and in doing so, he crushes it,” Hoegh said. “That’s such a great metaphor for sports and life. When we grip too tightly, we lose the freedom to perform.”
It’s also somewhat representative of what happened to the Liberators last winter.
A year removed from an improbable run to a district title, Hoegh’s team advanced to the championship game of the Blue & Gold Tournament – as an unseeded school, nonetheless – and found itself 15-6 heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.
Suddenly, it was as if the Liberators had their own dinner roll to protect.
“We hit some pretty high highs early and naturally, that created pressure,” Hoegh said. “Some self-induced, some from well-meaning friends, family and supporters. I felt myself and our team starting to play not to lose.”
The Liberators dropped their final four games of the season — and ultimately fell in the district tournament’s second round. But they finished 16-11, doubling their win total from 2024-25.
Even though it didn’t end in a district championship, Hoegh says the early-season achievements likely would not have been possible if not for the trials they faced the prior year.
“Last season also took us into some uncharted territory — surpassing external expectations in December,” Hoegh said. “It was tricky, but I really believe we managed it well. I also believe we’ll be able to negotiate that kind of situation better if it happens again.
“Most seasons are a lot like the stock market. They go up, come back down, rise again past the original high, drop and then rise once more. At the end, you want to hit the high mark. Our group still overachieved, but we probably didn’t expect to go from the hunter to the hunted so quickly and dramatically in just one year.
“Ultimately, whether others see it that way or not, we choose to view every year as a step forward for our program. This mindset keeps us curious and eager to learn, while always remembering that our worth and identity are defined by who we are — not just what we accomplish.”
But the returning Liberators aren’t without their share of accomplishments, as junior Colton Ingold and senior Matthew Giglio both return after collecting all-conference honors.
A force on both ends of the floor, Ingold also earned all-district recognition after pacing the Liberators in rebounding (6.9 per game) and finishing as their No. 2 scorer (12.2).
“Colton represents everything we want in a Liberator: Grit, IQ and belief,” Hoegh said. “The sky is the limit for Colton. He has the talent, work ethic and desire to be one of the best players in (southwest Missouri.)”
Giglio led the Liberators with 54 steals and chipped in 8 points per game.
“Giggy Smalls is a smooth operator,’ Hoegh said. “He can handle the ball, create for others and score from anywhere — whether it’s finishing in the paint or knocking down perimeter shots. Defensively, Matt is elite on the ball and can pick up full court as well as anyone in (southwest Missouri.)”
Wyatt Campbell, Canyon Adams and Lucas Pock are also back.
Campbell (7 points per game) and Adams (3.6) appeared in all of Bolivar’s games last season, while Pock (2.6) will look to graduate to a full-time varsity role.
Hoegh on Campbell: “Wyatt was a huge spark for us last season — instant offense and relentless effort every time he hit the floor. He’s a skilled shooter who can also score with his back to the basket, giving us flexibility in our lineups. After spending most of last year at the 4 and 5, Wyatt will shift more to the wing this season, which should open up even more three-point opportunities — a weapon we’ll need from him.”
Hoegh on Adams: “Canyon is one of our true connectors — an athlete with strength, skill and a high basketball IQ. He’s more than willing to be a physical presence inside, but has the versatility to play nearly any spot on the floor. Canyon’s blend of toughness and feel helps our offense flow and our defense communicate. He’s the kind of player who holds everything together.”
Hoegh on Pock: “Lucas brings a rugged, physical edge to everything we do. After a monster summer and fall in the weight room, he’s stronger and more confident than ever. Lucas is a hard worker who knows how to play winning basketball — setting screens, sealing, defending and making the right play. He gives us the ability to match up with the most physical teams on our schedule and sets the tone for our toughness.”
Paul Bliss, Landen Young, Dorian Gonzales and Ben Berry round out a talented junior class.
Hoegh on Bliss: “Paul was outstanding for our futures team last year, earning some varsity minutes along the way. He led the futures in both scoring and rebounding and finished second in assists — a testament to his versatility and feel for the game.”
Hoegh on Young: “Landen is an absolute wrecking ball on defense — a relentless competitor who sets the tone with energy and effort. He led our futures in assists and steals last season and — incredibly — has posted more steals than turnovers in each of the past two years, the only player in our program’s history to do so.”
Hoegh on Gonzales: “Dorian is one of those guys who just keeps getting better every single year. He loves the game and brings great energy to every workout and practice. Offensively, he can stretch the floor as a knockdown shooter and defensively he’s developing into a true 3-and-D player.”
Hoegh on Berry: “Ben is another key perimeter piece for us, another 3-and-D guy who fits into how we want to play. His ability to space the floor will open up driving lanes for Canyon, Bliss and Colton, while his combination of length and quickness gives us flexibility in matchups.”
Seniors Andrew Tennison and Ethan “Bob” Bailey will also push for playing time.
“Players like Bob and Andrew remind us what makes being part of a team special — the willingness to sacrifice, serve and love your teammates well,” Hoegh said.
The Liberators will travel to Republic for a November 20 jamboree with the Tigers, Lebanon and Pierce City. They will tip off the regular season at the Willard Basketball Classic, which begins December 3.
“What makes competition in (southwest Missouri) so much fun is that the great coaches and programs here bring out the best in us,” Hoegh said. “What we hope other programs know is that when they play Bolivar, we will bring out the best in them, too.
“Our goal isn’t just to win; it’s to make every game competitive, meaningful and fun. At the end of the game — win or lose — we want them to say: ’Man, that game made us better and it sure was fun to be a part of.’”
