By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Cort Hardy’s first season coaching the Carl Junction boys basketball team was one to remember.
Hardy led the Bulldogs to a 19-9 finish, the program’s first winning season since their 2014 district title, and more victories than they’d recorded in the previous two seasons combined.
“Establishing our culture and the kids buying into that culture is what helped us turn it around quickly,” Hardy said. “We have a great coaching staff and a talented group of kids, so when you put the two together and establish hard work throughout the program, it starts to pay off.”
With most of those kids returning, the Bulldogs will look to be even better this winter. They’re bringing back four starters – and have a five-player senior class to set the tone.
“I think to keep the winning momentum going we will have to continue to do the little things right,” Hardy said. “Our boys understand what it takes to win now so just being consistent and bringing it every night will determine the success of our season this year.”
Senior guards Brody Pant and Cooper Vediz will also be a big part of Carl Junction’s success. Both were named to the all-conference team, while Pant was also an all-district honoree.
Pant (6-foot) led the Bulldogs in scoring, averaging 13.6 points per night.
“He is a do-it-all type of player who has a motor that never stops,” Hardy said. “He is strong and athletic which allows him to finish well around the basket, but he also shot the ball at 45 percent from three last year. He will again be asked to score the ball for us as well as lead us on the floor.”
Vediz (5-foot-11) was right behind him, averaging 12.3 per night. He’ll be entering his fourth year on the varsity and is currently sitting at 994 career points.
“We expect him to lead us again offensively this season,” Hardy said. “He is a crafty player who can use his strength and skill to finish at the rim, but also a very lethal shooter. He has great instincts defensively and we expect him to have a great senior year.”
Classmates Deacon Endicott, Rashaad McDonald and JoJo Ballard are also returning.
Endicott, a 6-foot 2-forward, averaged 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds last winter.
“Deacon is another big and athletic player for us,” Hardy said. “He is a guy that will be asked to play many different positions and roles. He is often tasked with guarding the other team’s best player.”
McDonald, a 6-foot-2 guard, is poised for a breakout year after eligibility issues limited him to 10 games last season.
“He has great touch around the basket and is a capable three-point shooter,” Hardy said. “He is a guy who can have multiple double-double nights because of his scoring and rebounding abilities.”
Ballard, a 6-foot-2 forward, has a knack for making an impact – no matter the sport.
“Jojo, who is a standout football player for us, is also a big-time impact player for us on the basketball floor,” Hardy said. “A very long and athletic player who finishes well at the basket and is an elite defensive player.”
Juniors Maddox Shorter and Kolby Martin also return after impressive sophomore seasons, while rising sophomore Bryant Hanks looks to be even better after his varsity debut.
Hardy on Shorter, a 6-foot point guard: “He runs the show for us, but he will also be asked to score the ball more this season. He is a great shooter and facilitator.”
Hardy on Martin, a 6-foot-4 forward: “Kolby is an elite shooter and scorer. He is long and athletic and has a knack for deflections on defense. He will also be a rim protector for us at times.”
Hardy on Hanks, a 6-foot-1 point guard: “Bryant is a very high IQ basketball player. He can score in bunches, and he is also a very good point guard for us. He will be asked to run the show with Shorter as well as have a bigger role scoring the ball this year.”
Juniors Barrett McAfee and Ryan Burch and sophomores Garyn Colbert, Ryken Williams and Tadem Jones will look to secure playing time.
Hardy on McAfee, a 6-foot-1 guard: “Barrett could find some minutes on varsity this season. He is a great shooter and very instinctual on defense.”
Hardy on Burch, a 6-foot 1 guard: “Ryan is another guy who always does the little things right and could find his way into some minutes.”
Hardy on Colbert, a 6-foot guard: “Garyn will find some minutes this year as a sophomore because he is an elite defender and has the willingness to do all the little things on the floor.”
Hardy on Williams, a 6-foot-4 forward: “Ryken will bring size and athleticism to our roster this year. A kid that is strong and has a great knack for rebounding the ball.”
Hardy on Jones, a 6-foot 2 forward: “He is a selfless player who plays 100 miles per hour at all times. He also is a great defender and rebounder.”
With so many capable contributors, opponents may have a hard time figuring out how to stop this team.
“I am most excited about our depth for this year,” Hardy said. “I think we have eight guys who could all start at different times.”
The Bulldogs will host Carthage and Lamar for a November 20 jamboree. They will open the season at the 64th Annual Forsyth Tournament, which begins December 1.
“Our goal for this season is like our goal every year – compete for a conference and district championship and not get caught up in the total wins and losses,” Hardy said. “That will work itself out with competing every day and doing the little things right.”
