By Chris Parker
Everton boys basketball is focused on growth coming off a one-win campaign.
“As a team who only came away with one win last season, we want to improve and see growth every time we step onto the court,” new Everton head coach Josh Wiseman said. “We have the talent and ability, and we want to see all of our players reach their full potential and improve. If we can achieve that I think we will have a better season this year.”
Joshua Daniels returns for his junior season. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.5 steals per game last season.
“Joshua Daniels will be our leader on the floor,” Wiseman said. “He is a very talented player who has also qualified for state in cross country and track.”
James Grisham (senior forward), Noah Morris (senior center), Leiden Wilson (sophomore guard), Wylie Vigessa (senior forward), Garrett Tindle (senior guard) and Matthew Grant (sophomore forward) all were identified as returners by Wiseman.
Wiseman on Grisham: “James Grisham will also have an impact in the post and on the perimeter. He is a high-effort player who has worked hard on his game and will be an athletic difference-maker for our team. He is a good defender and rebounder.”
Wiseman on Morris: “Noah Morris will be our best post presence this season. He can finish inside and also step out to the mid-range. He will be hard for other teams to defend in the post.”
Wiseman on Wilson: “Leiden Wilson will be switching positions from post to guard for us this season. He is a high IQ player who should make the switch easily and help us with the perimeter. Shooting is his best skill, and we expect him to make an impact on the offensive end.”
Wiseman on Vigessa: “Wylie Vigessa is another player who will be making a change of position this season. He will play inside and out for us this year as he previously played guard only. He is a good defender and rebounder who always gives max effort.”
Wiseman on Tindle: “Garett Tindle is another player who is returning for his second season of basketball. He is expected to compete for playing time and help us. He can play inside and out and is improving his game each day.”
Wiseman on Grant: “Mathew Grant So. F is another returner who saw time on JV last season and is working hard to get better and should compete for minutes this year.”
Wiseman said Liam Wilson (freshman guard), Brody Peebles (freshman guard), Aiden Smith (sophomore guard) and Wyatt Johnson (senior forward) are newcomers who could have an impact.
Wiseman on Wilson: “Liam Wilson is an incoming freshman who will see a lot of playing time for us at the point. He is very talented and should transition to high school basketball quickly. He is a very good offensive player who handles the ball well. We are excited to watch him develop and improve as the season goes on.”
Wiseman on Peebles: “Brody Peebles is another new addition to the team and should compete for playing time at the guard position.”
Wiseman on Smith: “Aiden Smith is a new addition to the team who should see varsity time this season. He is a very athletic player who is working to get better every day.”
Wiseman on Johnson: “Wyatt Johnson is a new addition to the team who should see minutes in the post for us.”
Everton has one win four seasons combined. This group of Tigers hopes to be the team that changes that trend.
“We are working to change the culture and expectations of Everton basketball,” Wiseman said. “This team has not seen a lot of success in the previous years, and we are making changes to try and change that. New leadership and change can take time, but I believe we have the talent and will to make it happen over the coming years.”
Everton opens the season Dec 1-6 at the Humansville Tournament.
“I am excited about the number of players we have this season,” Wiseman said. “We have a good mix of upperclassmen and younger guys who should work well together. All the parts are there for this to be a good season.”
