By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Many coaching changes happen when a team is struggling.
New Chadwick boys basketball coach Kyle Cavanaugh is entering a much rarer scenario, taking the reins of a powerhouse program that has won back-to-back state championships and six district titles in the past seven seasons.
How do you step in and keep a championship contender rolling? That was the first question the former Fair Grove assistant coach asked himself when he took the job.
“Before our first day in the gym together this summer, I was trying to figure out how to navigate my expectations and align them with our team,” Cavanaugh said. “From that first day, I could tell that these kids have high expectations for themselves and they want to live up to those expectations. Keeping that momentum going has been an easy transition because they want it just as much as I do. That is very evident in the work that these boys have been putting in.”
That work ethic is part of what made the Chadwick job so appealing.
“With their recent success they have had as a program, I knew that what I would be stepping into would be a group of boys that want to work hard and get better — ones who have fallen in love with the process it takes to put themselves in winning positions,” Cavanaugh said. “That to me is an appealing trait – and one that I have as well. For my first head coaching job, I don’t think I could have asked for a better place to be.”
So far, Cavanaugh has found that Chadwick’s reputation is well-earned.
“I have been impressed with how eager these kids are to get in the gym and put in the extra work that it takes,” Cavanaugh said. “These kids are hungry to learn and get better — and that shows every time they are in the gym. Passion is not always something that can be taught, so having a group of boys that are willing to put in the extra time to make sure they are ready when the season comes around is very refreshing to see and be a part of.”
The other unique thing about this year’s roster? Save for junior guard Prestin Kinyon, most of the expected contributors are freshmen and sophomores.
“The fun thing about this group is that we are young,” Cavanaugh said. “So, I will get to be with this first group of kids I’m coaching for a few years and see them develop.”
Kinyon, a 6-foot-2 guard, earned both all-conference and all-district honors last winter. He’s well-suited for the responsibilities that he’ll carry as the team’s most experienced player.
“Prestin is a natural leader on and off the court for us,” Cavanaugh said. “The expectations he has placed upon himself to lead us this year is very evident when we are in the gym together. He pushes/encourages all of us to be the best versions of ourselves. I’m confident that he is going to have a breakout year, and help our team achieve the goals that we have set in place for us.”
Gilbert, a 5-foot-8 sophomore guard, is the team’s other returning starter.
“I’m excited to see Gentry on the court for us this year,” Cavanaugh said. “His shooting alone is going to help us space the floor and his on-court vision will help us distribute the ball where it needs to go.”
Classmates Thayer Little, Dalton Little, Wyatt Lantz and Collin Johnson give the Cardinals a variety of skillets in the backcourt.
Cavanaugh on Thayer Little: “I expect Thayer to be a guy who takes pride in getting it done on both ends of the floor. He’s great at pushing the ball in transition and finding the right time to attack, then working hard on defense.”
Cavanaugh on Dalton Little: “Talk about a guy who gets after it. Dalton has a high motor and loves challenging people on the defensive end of the floor. He’s not afraid to guard anyone. He welcomes a challenge and pushes us to work harder.”
Cavanaugh on Lantz: “Wyatt is another guy that can help us space out the floor this year. He’s a great shooter and competitor. I’m excited to see how he will impact the game for us.”
Cavanaugh on Johnson: “Collin is a kid that wants to compete every time he is on the floor, whether that be in practice or a game. He is always hustling and getting after it. I’m excited to see how he will push us to become better.”
Freshmen Graham Preston, Cohyn Goetz and Kipton Case could also have an immediate impact for the Cardinals. Preston and Goetz are the only two forwards listed on the roster, while Case gives Cavanaugh another option at guard.
Cavanaugh on Preston: “Graham has a high motor and a competitive edge to his game. He will be coming into a role as someone who can bring the ball up for us and distribute it where it needs to go.”
Cavanaugh on Goetz: “Cohyn brings some much-needed size and physicality to our team. He’s going to be someone that can bring down a lot of rebounds for us, guard opposing teams bigs, push the floor in transition and finish at the rim.”
Cavanaugh on Case: “I’m excited to see how Kipton will get it done for us on the defensive end this year. He brings a lot of athleticism and physicality to our team. He’s a hard worker and one that will be able to impact the game for us.”
Chadwick and the RUSH Homeschool Association team will travel to Forsyth for a November 20 jamboree. The Cardinals open the regular season December 2 at home against Gainesville.
“I think our kids have a chip on their shoulders, and they want to prove to everyone that they are the same, competitive team as they always have been,” Cavanaugh said. “So I’m excited to see how that is going to come out in practices and games this year. They are going to be fun to watch.”
