By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
One of the most anticipated seasons in Central boys basketball history ended not with a state championship, but with a reminder of just how difficult it is to reach the top.
With four starters back from the team that placed third in the state, the Bulldogs seemed poised for another deep run — until a second-round district loss to a Webb City squad they beat by 19 points during the regular season.
Months removed from the 17-10 finish, Central coach Jordan Epps isn’t focused on what might have been, but rather all that was.
“We did have a chance to go a little further than we did in the postseason, but (in) March Madness anybody can get beat and we showed that,” Epps said. “Even though we came up short, that group over the last few years (has) been great and accomplished many things Central basketball has not been able to do for years — so it was still a great season for us.”
The Class of 2025 helped the Bulldogs end a 61-year Final Four drought in their junior seasons, and won a consolation game in the prestigious Tournament of Champions as seniors. But the final game of their careers will be just as inspirational to the Bulldogs who are returning this winter.
“I think the biggest lesson they learned is they have to show up and be ready every single game,” Epps said. “No matter if we already beat someone, the next time they will be better prepared. Even though we have a lot of returners, a lot of players are preparing to step into bigger roles.”
While the starting lineup will look entirely different, the players are ready for the opportunity.
“This new group will be younger, athletic but more focused on defense and team basketball,” Epps said. “We will be 10 guys deep in the bench and it will take a team effort to be successful.”
Central’s top returners are senior guards Tryton Jackson and Donovan Martin, who found themselves behind the Class of 2025 on the depth chart.
Epps said the Class of 2026 will be the smallest graduating class he’s had in his time at Central, meaning the talented duo will be tasked with leading the way for a comparatively young team.
Epps on Jackson: “He holds multiple college offers and interests after a big summer. He will have a big role for us this season as a leader, scorer and athlete.”
Epps on Martin: “He is ready to take over and lead this group as the new PG1.”
Sophomore forward Nate Green saw limited action as a freshman, but will take over the starting big man job. Epps said Francesco Farfaglia, a foreign exchange student from Italy, brings a nice mix of size and shooting ability that could land him a starting job.
Tesean Clark, Cainan Studtman, Robert Gipson and Trey Green will also be in the mix.
“I am most excited to see the growth of these young guys and begin paving their own way into history at Central,” Epps said. “With our strong senior class of last season, I believe people will see us (as) underdogs or not as good as we have been. This group is going to be solid and pretty good and I believe we will surprise a lot of people as we compete for a district championship.”
The Bulldogs will travel to Marshfield for a November 18 jamboree and host Link Academy on November 20.
“The goals will (be to) continue to put a winning team on the court,” Epps said. “The expectations are now set that we compete for conference and district championships — and this group has a chance to do both.”
