By Chris Parker
Dadeville has a new head coach in Shad Edwards this season. The Bearcats are coming off a 16-11 season and are two seasons removed from placing fourth in Class 1.
“I came here because Dadeville is a special place,” Edwards said. “Dadeville has the best kids, and I enjoy being around them every day. These kids know how to work hard. When you have kids that want to work hard, come from great families, and the community supports the program, you want to come to work every day.”
Four players who have started for at least two years return.
Senior Chayse Coose is a three-year starter who has 913 total career points. He earned first-team all-conference honors after averaging a double-double with 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last season.
“He is the leader on and off the court,” Edwards said. “Chayse has the ability to score anywhere on the court. He has worked extremely hard in the off-season preparing for his senior year. We will look for him to lead us each game night.”
Fellow senior Josh King is a two-year starter. He played in 21 games last season with 2.9 points per game.
“Josh is another senior to help lead our team,” Edwards said. “Josh has great vision on the court.”
Briar Clift, also a two-year starter, earned second-team all-conference honors and Polk County League All-Defensive team. He averaged 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game last season.
“Briar is a great leader on the team and wants to outwork everyone in practice,” Edwards said.
Aiden McGill rounds out the returning two-year starters. The junior scored 6.3 points and 5.2 assists per game as a sophomore.
“Aiden will be our point guard leading us each night,” Edwards said. “Aiden has great decision-making abilities to move the ball for our offense to have success.”
Wriston Worthington (junior), Payton Crawford (sophomore), Ashton Edwards (sophomore) and Brittan Jarmin (sophomore) all return with varsity experience.
Edwards on Worthington: “Wriston Worthington is a returning letterman and a talented young man that is expected to have a breakout year for us. He is a very vocal leader and has worked extremely hard in his skill set. We are excited to see Wriston play and help lead this team throughout the season.”
Edwards on Crawford: “Payton is a returning letterman and was able to gain valuable minutes last year as a freshman. Payton is a great ball handler and can score from anywhere on the court. We are looking forward to watching Payton grow throughout the year.”
Edwards on Ashton Edwards: “Ashton is another player that was able to have valuable minutes as a freshman last year. Ashton is able to play multiple spots on the team.”
Edwards on Jarmin: “By the end of the season last year, Brittan was playing more in the varsity games. Brittan is very athletic and skilled for his size. His decision making and quick hands can create opportunities in games. We are excited for Brittan to have a great year for Dadeville.”
That gives Edwards eight returning players with varsity experience.
“Our strength will be our varsity experience,” Edwards said. “Our underclassmen were able to see valuable varsity minutes last year. We expect that to carry over into this year’s season.”
Dadeville opens the season on Nov. 21 at Sheldon.
“I want our team to play hard, be coachable, and be a great teammate,” Edwards said. “If we can do those things, we will be successful.”
