By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Hollister boys basketball head coach Justin Pock enters his second season at the helm of the Tigers program.
This season also marks the team’s second season in the Mid-Lakes Conference — with the likes of Reeds Spring, Fair Grove, Springfield-Catholic, Clever, Forsyth, Buffalo and Strafford.
A loaded conference, for sure.
The team garnered five wins last year, and after going 19-11 over the summer, optimism is high.
“Last year, we grew together. We return a lot of guys, only losing one senior. It is to continue to grow. To continue to play as a team,” Pock said of the expectation. “Go into every game not fearing anybody but respecting everybody that we play.”
The Tigers return their starting five in center senior Tyler Carpenter, junior guard/forward Caleb Donathan, senior guard Aaron Dang, junior guard Owen Houser, and junior guard/forward Riley Wallace.
Returning seniors include Carpenter, Donohew, Dang, William Browning and guard Athyn Little.
One sophomore figures into the equation to help balance out the lineup.
“We have a good sophomore in Jaivyn Brayfield,” Pock said.
Returning lettermen include Carpenter, Donohew, Houser, Wallace, Donathan, and Dang.
Houser led the charge last season as he averaged 12 points per game and Carpenter tossed in another 11 and Donathan tossed in 10 per game.
The trio will be called upon again this season, but having a full, experienced complement with five returning starters make Pock’s job a bit simpler.
“It is nice. Stuff that we have put in, they know my expectations. But coming into a new season, they are going to be pushed by guys. I tell them all of the time: just because you played last year, doesn’t mean you are guaranteed anything this year,” Pock said. “I think it is great to have them work. They got to see some success this summer. It makes them more comfortable.”
The preliminary roster is coming into shape, and other players include Browning, Wyatt Jones, Israel Tyler, Atticus Gennarelli, Issiah Nicholl, Kaidon Williams, and Brayfield.
“They all have a shot to shine,” Pock said.
With one season under their belts, Pock said year two is about fine tuning the attack, as the Tigers averaged 60 points per game in their five wins one year ago.
“I think we just got to know each other and what we could do. And they got to know that I am going to push them hard. We had a really good summer, going 19-11. We played a lot of basketball,” Pock said of the summer program. “I think we grew as a team, and the guys are putting in the work.”
The preseason jamboree is slated for Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at Hollister and will feature Billings and Ava and possibly one other addition.
The regular-season opener is scheduled for Nov. 21 as the Tigers host the Miller Cardinals.
On Nov. 25, the Tigers will travel to Spokane for a 7 p.m. start.
And on Dec. 1-6, the Tigers will hit the road for the 64th Annual Forsyth Tournament.
