By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Coming off a 12-win season and doubling their win column from the previous two years, the Ava Bears will look to stay competitive in the 2025 campaign despite significant roster turnover. After losing three starters, the Bears will focus on developing a young lineup and depending on veterans to set the tone.
“We look forward to competing every single day at practice and every night we have a game,” said head coach Riley Jenkins, who enters his fourth year leading the Bears. “I want to give these players the best chance possible to have success on the scoreboard. With that being said, we will not define whether our season was successful or not based on our season record. We will judge our season based on our attitude, effort, and preparation. This group does such a good job of buying into that.”
Coach Jenkins’ focus on effort and preparation will be reflected in a roster that blends veteran leadership with promising young talent.
Part of the veteran leadership is Grant Swatosh, a 5’10” returning junior. “Grant will be a huge part in how we enter our offense and apply ball pressure on defense,” said Jenkins. “He did both of these things so well in the summer, it made us extremely excited to see how he continues to develop.”
Twin Brock Swatosh, junior, brings size to the team at 6’3” and averaged 5.2 points per game in his sophomore campaign. “Brock will be asked to score for us,” said Coach Jenkins. “He has the ability to make tough shots around the basket. We believe he will continue to develop as a playmaker this year.”
Sophomore Talon Harville played in every game as a freshman and will be tasked with ball handling. “He is a great passer,” said Jenkins. “He continues to get better as a shooter. We need him to be a great leader.”
New faces to the team include 6’1” sophomore Kennon Pitts, “a quick, good ball handler,” per his coach. “He wants to compete,” said Coach Jenkins. “We want to see him get better every day.”
Sophomore Fisher Melton (6’1”) is “a great athlete, a good defender and rebounder,” said Coach Jenkins. “He can impact the game on both ends of the floor.”
Senior Jacob Laub (6’0”) is also a strong athlete. “He shoots it well,” said Jenkins. “He is good at using his dribble at the right time.”
Cash Collins, 6’0” sophomore, is a solid shooter who could contribute. “His competitive spirit is contagious,” said Coach Jenkins.
Sophomore Garrett Richards (5’10”) “is a good passer and helps space the floor as a shooter,” said Jenkins.
Coach Jenkins is confident this group has the potential to make a lasting impact both on and off the court. “I believe they’re going to do special things, all the while impacting those around them in an encouraging way,” he said.
And conference play always provides an extra spark for the Bears. “All of our SCA matchups have a little extra meaning,” Jenkins added. “It’s always fun to play in those games.”
The Ava Bears will participate in a jamboree at Billings on November 18. Following the Strafford Tournament, the Bears will kick off their season at Hollister December 9.
