By Chris Parker
Crocker boys basketball has a new head coach in Matt Thompson this season. He takes over a program coming off an 18-11 season with three consecutive winning seasons.
“This upcoming season we will have a few different offensive philosophies,” Thompson said. “We will change it up depending on personnel. We are a good shooting team and look to use that to our advantage.”
The team that takes the court this season will look much different with just one full-time starter in Avery Newton returning. Newton averaged 7.7 points per game last season.
Johnny Carriger (junior), Logan Connell (senior), Riley Foster (junior), Tripp Caldwell (senior), Aiden Resch (sophomore), Jayden Bodkins (sophomore) and Wyatt Sherrell (junior) are all listed as returners by Thompson. Thompson listed Chase Sharpensteen (senior), Preston Pierce (freshman) and Braden Devine (junior) as newcomers.
Pressure will be the key on defense for Crocker.
“We will look to play man and pressure the ball heavily,” Thompson said. “We have some good athletes, and we look to use that to impact teams on the defensive end of the ball.”
Crocker opens the season on Nov. 24 at Richland.
“I look to play fast and use our athleticism and shooting to allow us to be successful,” Thompson said. “I emphasize effort and intensity as a staple in the program.”
