By Chris Parker
The Pleasant Hope boys basketball team went 16-11 and won the program’s first district title since 1992.
This year’s team wants to build on the momentum of last season.
“A successful season for us would be to maintain our level of play from last year with a new lineup and hopefully be able to compete for another district title,” Pleasant Hope head coach Ben Glasgow said.
A pair of all-conference selections return for Pleasant Hope in seniors Caleb Altic and Bryson Craver.
Altic earned First-Team All-Greater Ozarks Conference honors.
“Caleb Altic returns as our leading scorer and second leading rebounder from last season,” Glasgow said. “Caleb brings athleticism and tenacity to the lineup. Caleb is a three-year starter who will help provide leadership.”
Craver was selected for the second-team all-conference.
“Bryson Craver is also a three-year starter who will run the point guard position again this year,” Glasgow said. “Bryson was instrumental in winning a district title last year where he saved his best game for the district championship. Bryson is a good defender and will also help provide senior leadership along with Caleb.”
Junior Bradley Jenkins gives Pleasant Hope three returning starters.
“Bradley moved into the starting lineup midway through last season and helped improve our offensive productivity with perimeter shooting,” Glasgow said.
Taveon Cote (junior), Kasen Wells (senior) and Jack Keeling (sophomore) are all in line for varsity minutes.
Glasgow on Cote: “Taveon Cote will step in as a post player this year, providing some much-needed size and athleticism around the basket.”
Glasgow on Wells: “Kasen Wells will step into his first real varsity action this season. He will help provide some depth at the post.”
Glasgow on Keeling: “Jack Keeling is looking to step into a substantial amount of playing time this year as a sophomore. Jack is a potential starter and helps bring defense and energy to the floor while helping with the ball handling responsibilities.”
Ayden Hutchinson (sophomore), Ethen Mullings (freshman) and Taylen Perryman (freshman) also have a shot at varsity playing time.
Pleasant Hope opens the regular season Nov. 22-26 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic.
