By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
For nearly two decades, Dr. Seth Huddleston has called West Plains home.
Now, he’s calling the shots for the Zizzers.
Huddleston was named head coach of the West Plains boys basketball program in the spring – the latest chapter in his 18-year run as an administrator in the district.
Huddleston, who previously coached boys golf and middle school basketball for the Zizzers, is excited about the unique opportunity he has with the varsity club.
“I love our school and community,” Huddleston said. “It truly is a blessing and honor to work and raise my family here. I have known many of these young men since they were in elementary and middle school. They have loads of potential and it is exciting to see how we grow as a group this season.”
Huddleston’s experience with the players may help steady a program navigating its second coaching change in three years.
“I think any time there is a new system put in place there are growing pains,” Huddleston said. “The biggest thing our guys need to know is that I care about them and their success. Challenges are part of life for all of us, but how we learn from and embrace those challenges is what sets people and teams apart. We will cross those hurdles together.”
Huddleston takes over a team that improved its win total in each of the past two seasons, finishing 12-15 in their inaugural year in the Ozark Mountain Conference.
Huddleston said “two or three” starters will be returning this year – and he liked what he saw from the Zizzers at summer shootouts in Nixa and Cape Girardeau.
If the Zizzers can put it all together, they could secure their first winning season since 2021-22.
“We have to learn to be great teammates – to care about each other on and off (the) court,” Huddleston said. “We have to have a passion to improve every single day on and off the floor. I care about our kids becoming great people and hope to teach them that adversity brings greatness and how we deal with challenges often defines our level of success. We will strive to play hard, play smart and play together.”
West Plains will lean on its senior class to turn that vision into reality.
Jared Kraft is coming off an all-conference season, and figures to be even better in his final varsity campaign. Huddleston described both Kraft and classmate Josiah Long as great athletes and all-around players who will be expected to lead West Plains at both ends of the court.
“These two men are very similar and my expectations for both are very similar,” Huddleston said.
While both Long and fellow senior Bronsen Dunbar are currently injured, the coach remains hopeful they will be able to play. Any potential absences would create additional opportunities for seniors Jacob Moore and Ethan Miller.
Huddleston on Moore: “Strong kid. Great rebounder and defender. We will rely heavily on his ability to defend the post and run the floor.”
Huddleston on Miller: “Great athlete. He’s the starting quarterback for the football team. Helps lead the offense from the point position, but will play the 2-guard position as well.”
Huddleston is also expecting big contributions from varsity newcomers Caleb Cobb and Hudson Patillo.
Huddleston on Cobb, a junior: “Very high motor, tremendous speed and defender.”
Huddleston on Patillo, a sophomore: “Strong kid. Will have to help us with our post defense and rebounding, especially with Aden Judd injured.”
Huddleston said Judd broke his leg during football season and is likely out for the year.
The first game of the Huddleston era is set for November 25, when the Zizzers host Ozark.
“We are all very competitive and none of us like to lose,” Huddleston said. “However, in our conference and in our class, losses will come. We just have to learn and move forward. Get better every single day. That is our common goal.”
