By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Fair Grove boys basketball program is coming off its fifth district championship in a decade, but this year’s roster will look noticeably different than the last.
The seniors that led the Eagles to an 18-11 finish have all graduated, creating a rather unique situation for fifth-year head coach Bryan Tucker.
“We have no returning points or minutes from last year’s team,” Tucker said. “So, we are all new and it’s pretty exciting — so there are a lot of questions that remain to be answered.”
With five members of last season’s team – Spensar Seiger, Bryden Baxter, Kellen Lair, Brock Boatwright and Kyle Winterberg – now playing various sports in college, the first order of business is determining a starting lineup.
The competition is wide open, particularly among members of the sophomore and junior classes that are eager to make their varsity debuts.
Tucker said Easton Highfill, Blake Baxter, Finn Harp, Jacob Shurtz, Dude Mallard, Gavin Strong and Logan Wilson could all play big roles.
Tucker on Highfill, a sophomore: “Has the ability to be a great shooter. Very skilled, tough kid that knows how to compete. We will depend on him.”
Tucker on Blake Baxter, a junior. “We will depend on him to be a spot-up shooter.”
Tucker on Harp, a junior: “Looking forward to seeing how he impacts both ends of the floor.”
Tucker on Shurtz, a junior: “Has tremendous quickness and can shoot it.”
Tucker on Mallard, a sophomore: “Has a high motor. Plays really hard and (has) been in the gym working on his shot, so we are excited to see how this year unfolds for him.”
Tucker on Strong, a sophomore: “Plays hard. Has a great feel on the court and plays with a lot of toughness.”
Tucker on Wilson, a sophomore: “Plays extremely hard and physical. Knows his role and maximizes (his) ability.”
Sophomore forward Kolton Klindworth (6-foot-4) and junior guard Grant Fuller (6-foot) provide the Eagles with a balanced combination of size, versatility and firepower.
With so many underclassmen, there’s room for significant growth.
“It’s a year where I know we will be a completely different team in February than December and I’m excited to watch it,” Tucker said.
Despite the roster turnover – and anticipated learning curve – don’t expect a significant change in the brand that has made the Eagles successful over the years.
“We hope that we can be a team that plays really hard on the defensive end, plays physical and makes other teams struggle to score the ball and not turn it over,” Tucker said.
Fair Grove will travel to Norwood for a jamboree with the Pirates and Willow Springs.
The Eagles will open the season at the Clever Boys Invitational, which begins December 1. Their home opener is scheduled for December 12 against Marshfield.
“My goal is to bring our team together and see them grow as a team because no one has played meaningful varsity basketball minutes,” Tucker said.
