By Chris Parker
Monett boys basketball enters its third season with Andrew Ballock as head coach coming off a 14-14 season. The 14 wins tied for the program’s most since winning 19 in 2015-16.
“I would like to see this group continue to play the game the right way and play an unselfish exciting brand of basketball,” Ballock said. “I don’t measure success by wins and losses, I want to see us grow as a group and compete day in and day out. We were able to get to the district semis last year, winning the first-round game, so I would like to see this group get to the championship game of districts and make a run at a district title.”
If Monett is to make a deeper run in the postseason, the Cubs will need some new players to step up to replace all five starters from last season.
Senior forward Alex Meeks will be a key player.
“I expect senior forward Alex Meeks to have a good year for us,” Ballock said. “He has matured a lot physically by living in the weight room this offseason. He has a unique ability to score around the rim but also uses his quickness to get by players on the perimeter.”
Junior guard Jack Stephens split time between varsity and junior varsity last season.
“Jack has spent a ton of time in the gym this offseason working on his game offensively to allow him to have success at all three levels,” Ballock said. “He’s a good shooter and a crafty finisher around the rim.”
Juniors Carson Nestleroad (guard/forward), Henry Walker (guard/forward), Camden Towles (forward) and Bryce Hoyt (guard) along with sophomores Brady Rhea (guard) and Justin Arias (guard) will be newcomers for Monett.
Ballock on Nestleroad: “Carson Nestleroad is a very tough and versatile player on both ends of the floor. He is a great athlete that allows him to guard multiple positions defensively. I look for him to be a do it all type of player for us.”
Ballock on Walker: “Henry Walker provides great length allowing him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. I look for him to be an energy guy for us.”
Ballock on Towles: “Camden Towles is a big physical forward that rebounds well and can make it hard for guys to score around the rim.”
Ballock on Hoyt & Rhea: “Bryce Hoyt and Brady Rhea will handle the ball a lot for us this season. They both have great knowledge and understanding of the game. They both have the ability to stretch the defense away from the basket by their shot making ability from distance.”
Ballock on Arias: “Justin Arias will be a great role player for us with good size to guard multiple positions.”
It will take a group effort from all of the players to find success this season.
“Our biggest strengths are that we are tough, we play hard, compete, and are unselfish,” Ballock said. “This group will need to win by committee. Every team has a leading scorer, but I think what will make us successful is that we share the ball and don’t care who scores or gets the credit. This group competes in everything they do. We can play a fast up-tempo pace allowing us to get opportunities in transition.”
Monett opens the season on Nov. 24 at Billings.
“I want to see this team compete every single night,” Ballock said. “If this group remains coachable, I believe that we can be very competitive in the Big 8 Conference as well as during district play. I just want to see us grow from individuals to a complete team.”
