By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Tyler Ryerson has seen a lot in his time as a head coach, but this situation is a new one.
The Strafford boys basketball program graduated every single starter from last season’s team, which went 24-5 and won the school’s second district title in four years. Several key substitutes also graduated, leading to the largest roster turnover Ryerson has seen in his 10-year career.
“Generally there are a few seniors that go, and you can fill in accordingly,” Ryerson said. “Returning less than 10 percent of every major statistical category is a little different.”
With just one returning player with significant varsity experience, Ryerson is anticipating the Indians will experience some growing pains. But the turnover also comes with a silver lining.
“The challenges in replacing so much is that the group of kids we have returning are generally young and inexperienced,” Ryerson said. “The positive of replacing so much is that we are basically starting over offensively and defensively, so we have a fresh start to implement the changes that we have.”
And make no mistake, a lack of experience doesn’t mean a lack of talent.
This year’s group was a year behind an exceptionally deep and talented Class of 2025, headlined by Evangel commit Cody Voysey – who became the school’s all-time leading scorer.
“I’m excited about a lot of things with this team,” Ryerson said. “Many of these guys have waited their turn – for lack of a better phrase – behind some really good players. It is their time to set a new standard. I am also looking forward to (seeing) how they bounce back. There will be ups and downs, but the quicker they bounce back the quicker they’ll learn and grow as a group.”
Seniors Tyler Hunt, Mason Henson and Eli Howard will set the tone.
Ryerson on Hunt, a 5-foot-11 guard: “He is the only returning player that played a significant amount of minutes. Tyler is a high-IQ guard that is aggressive to score. We’re going to ask him to live in the paint for us.”
Ryerson on Henson, a 5-foot-9 guard: “He is a smart point guard that doesn’t turn it over and rebounds bigger than he is. He is a strong guard that has worked a lot on his shot this summer.”
Ryerson on Howard, a 6-foot-1 guard/forward: “He can post up over smaller guards and really can shoot it well. He can be a matchup issue. He needs to have a scoring mindset when he walks on the floor.”
Colton Dampier, Kolby Austin, Eli Wake, Garrett Rogers and Marcus Williams form a junior class with size, skill and plenty of upside.
Ryerson on Dampier, a 6-foot-3 forward: “Colton is another matchup issue for opposing teams. He can score getting to the basket and can shoot the three. His defense and rebounding is going to drive his playing time.”
Ryerson on Austin, a 5-foot-9 guard: “Kolby is a smart guard that has a chance to play a lot. When he is aggressive offensively, he has a chance to be really good. We need to get him to play aggressively consistently.”
Ryerson on Wake, a 6-foot-2 forward: “Eli is a unique player that rebounds well. He can start fastbreaks off the dribble. He is a very high-IQ player that makes smart decisions consistently.”
Ryerson on Rogers, a 6-foot-2 center: “Garrett had a really good summer. He is a strong kid that can rebound and defend at a high level. Will have a chance to win the starting job.”
Ryerson on Williams, a 6-foot-3 center: “Marcus has a unique skillset. He’s a big that plays out on the floor. He sees the floor very well and is a very good screener. He does a great job of getting other people open.”
Sophomores JT Mullings and Hudson Turner and freshman Levi Compton will all have the chance to earn key varsity minutes as they continue developing within the program.
Ryerson on Mullings, a 6-foot guard: “The sky is the limit with JT. He really does everything well. He can play (point guard) or off the ball. He can shoot, pass, defend. Gets to the rim when he wants. If he can handle the physicality of varsity basketball throughout the season, he’ll be very good.”
Ryerson on Turner, a 6-foot guard: “Hudson might be our best catch-and-shoot player on the team. He rarely misses open looks from three and he does a good job getting himself open.”
Ryerson on Compton, a 5-foot-10 guard: “The impressive thing about Levi is that he makes the right play most of the time. He’s a very good decision maker, but also has the athletic ability to make plays using his athleticism.”
The Indians open the season by hosting the Strafford Invitational Tournament, which starts December 1.
“If they compete as hard as they can and do the small things necessary to be good – watch film, get extra shots up, work on their game – then we’ll have a successful year,” Ryerson said. “Can’t worry about wins and losses or even look at the scoreboard during games. We just need to play the right way, every play.”
