By Chris Parker
Ash Grove boys basketball finished below .500 for the first time since 2021 last season going 12-14 overall.
The Pirates will look to get back above .500 with a returning roster that has great chemistry according to head coach Grant Williamson.
“I’m very excited to see this group compete,” Williamson said. “They enjoy playing with each other. They love to find ways to be successful. They are gritty and selfless. Wins and losses will take care of themselves, but I believe this group has the intangibles in place to be competitive every night.”
Kyler Reece returns after earning honorable mention all-conference honors as a junior. He averaged 13.5 points per game with 191 rebounds, 86 assists and 47 steals on the season.
“Kyler’s leadership is an important part of our basketball team. He is our most experienced player and while he can be vocal when needed, it’s his lead by example style that really helps to set the tone for our team,” Williamson said. “His best attribute isn’t a basketball specific skill at all. His competitive spirit is his biggest asset. He competes in practice and games which allows him to find ways to be successful in a variety of different ways.”
Junior Easton Rust returns after starting as a sophomore. He averaged 9.2 points per game with 46 made 3-pointers.
“Easton is a returning starter that brings basketball skill and confidence to our team,” Williamson said.
Classmates Alex Acosta and Jaden Hance also return.
Acosta contributed 3.1 points per game playing in 23 games as a sophomore.
“Alex is a small, but quick, guard that is selfless with the ball and has a relentless motor,” Williamson said.
Hance averaged 8.6 points per game with 184 total rebounds.
“Jaden is a great athlete that burst onto the scene as an elite rebounder on both ends of the floor,” Williamson said.
Seniors Ty Messley, Jayden Jones and Joseph Jolivette also returns to the program.
Williamson on Messley: “Ty has put in serious time in the weight room and can play a lot of different roles for us this year.”
Williamson on Jones: “Jayden is incredibly shifty and is just as unselfish. He creates well for others and brings great toughness despite his size.”
Williamson on Jolivette: “Joe is our biggest kid and brings an element of toughness to our practices every day.”
Harison Thompson did not play last season, but returns to the court for his senior season.
“Hari didn’t play last season but brings great athletic ability and ball handling skills to our team,” Williamson said. “He can play a lot of places on the floor and we’re excited to see him compete each night.”
Kyler Reece’s brother Blake will look to have an immediate impact as a freshman.
“Blake is a great athlete and tough as nails,” Williamson said. “He has a chance to provide a spark of energy for us.”
Sophomore Brady Morrell and junior Tyler Thurgood will also be newcomers.
“Brady is a transfer and has shown his ability as a shooter throughout the pre-season,” Williamson said. “Tyler has grown about four inches since last season and really developed his skill along the way. He’ll have an opportunity to earn varsity time.”
This competitive group will need to take better care of the ball this season to find success.
“I foresee our biggest strength being our grit and competitiveness. This group really finds joy in trying to figure out how to achieve success together and that is the baseline really for any time to have a positive year,” Williamson said. “We will have to take care of the ball better this season. We pride ourselves on valuing possessions and last year our youth showed at times. Decision making is a skill we continue to improve on though and we are hopeful to get back to our identity as a team that just doesn’t turn it over.”
Ash Grove opens the regular season on Nov. 25 at home against Crane.
