By Chris Parker
Osceola boys basketball is coming off a 23-5 season which was the most wins for the program since the 2014-15 season.
The Indians are looking for a repeat with some experience returning.
“We believe our biggest strength this season is our experience,” Osceola head coach Set Collins said. “These kids have run our defensive system for years. We expect big things on the defensive end and the kids have good chemistry offensively.”
Seniors Dyson Barker, Will Murray and CJ Lee will be key leaders.
Barker scored 10.6 points per game with 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
“Dyson is a four-year starter that plays the guard position very well,” Collins said. “He is exciting to watch on both sides of the floor.”
Will Murray brings back averages of 7.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
“Will Murray is our spark plug,” Collins said. “He brings tremendous energy in all aspects of the game. He is great on the boards and getting up and down the floor. He is a guy that can get you 20 and 10 on a given night.”
Lee returns after not playing last season.
“CJ Lee comes back to us for his senior year after starting as a freshman and sophomore,” Collins said. “His length and athleticism make him tough offensively and defensively.”
One senior in Devin Bloom will likely miss all of the season after suffering an injury in football. He averaged 12.2 points per game last season.
Sophomores Braydon Kennedy, Kyle Gordon, Bryson Murray, and Zeke Murguia will all look to have bigger roles this season.
“These guys got to play a mix of varsity and JV as freshmen,” Collins said. “We believe they’ll be ready to step up and fill some of the roles that we need to replace.”
Osceola opens the season on Nov. 24 at Stover.
“For us to have a successful season, we need to show up and compete every night,” Collins said. “Basketball season can be a grind. We have to stay engaged and ready to complete our common goals.”
