By Chris Parker
Lebanon boys basketball won 17 games last year, which was the most since at least 2009. Three seniors graduated from that team including: Quenton Shelton, Jordan Lewis and Bryson Crowell. That trio accounted for almost 70% of Lebanon’s total points last year.
Shelton was the unquestioned leader with 697 total points last year for an average of 25.8 points per game. He also had 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game on his way to being named Ozark Conference Player of the Year and earning Class 5 All-State honors.
“Quenton is a special player, obviously you don’t replace a kid like that, and we were very blessed to have him in our program here at Lebanon,” Lebanon head coach Bill Brown said. “Quenton was such a competitive kid, and it didn’t matter what it was, he wanted to win. He brought that competitive attitude to practice each and every day and his teammates fed off that. He was a kid that you could literally put anywhere on the floor offensively or defensively. He could bring the ball down the floor one possession and post up on the block the very next possession, because of his size, strength, and quickness, he could do it all. Because he was such a prolific sorcerer for us, I think the thing that gets overlooked about Quenton is his ability to see the floor and distribute the ball to his teammates. He made some passes while he was here that not many high school kids can make. As far as defense goes, that’s where Quenton grew the most as a player, hands down. Our schedule was loaded with some really good teams that had some really good players. So not only did Quenton have to put the ball in the hole, he had to turn around and guard those same players, who were pretty darn good themselves. With a kid like Quenton you can go on and on about what a good player and an even better kid he is. We’re very proud of him and look forward to watching him play at Drury University.”
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Lewis earned honorable mention all-conference honors with 8.2 points per game, which was second on the team. Crowell was fourth in scoring at 6.9 points per game. He also earned honorable mention all-conference honros.
“Quenton got a lot of attention last year and deservedly so, but we graduated Jordan Lewis and Bryson Crowell, who were both all-district and all-conference players as well. Bryson was tough as nails, and would guard anyone on the floor and did a really good job for no bigger than he was. Bryson was a heck of a shooter as well. That kid would stay after practice and shoot 200-300 extra shots, and that was pretty much every day. He had the green light on offense and earned it through hard work, but that’s how Bryson goes about anything he does, really hard work,” Brown said. “Jordan Lewis was our postman, and he was extremely valuable at finishing around the rim and rebounding the ball for us. The number one thing he brought to our team was physicality. Jordan had the willingness to play his role and because of that had a really good senior season. All three of our seniors last year were great leaders for our underclassmen, and really exemplified the way we want things done in our program. Our 2020 senior class helped us to accomplish back to back winning seasons, with some pretty significant wins including Nixa, Parkview, Kickapoo, Waynesville, and Glendale.”
Tyler Williamson returns for his senior season after averaging 8.1 points per game last year. He is a strong defender who was named to the All-Ozark Conference Defensive Team.
“Tyler is 6’3, long and athletic, which is a really good combination to be a good player. His quickness allows him to be a good on the ball defender. When he’s off the ball his length allows him to disrupt the passing lanes, and he can contest shots as well,” Brown said. “We expect Tyler to set a good example for the younger kids, just like our seniors have the past two seasons. He has worked very hard in the offseason, the ball will be in his hands a lot this year, and we expect him to have a good year.”
Fellow seniors Caleb Falzone and Josh Napper have made great strides in the off-season and will be relied upon for expanded roles this year after each scored 3.5 and 3 points per game last year.
“Caleb Falzone is extremely athletic. He has the ability to play the 3, 4, or 5 for us. Caleb is a really good rebounder and off the ball defender. Because of his length and athleticism he has the ability to make things happen around the rim. He gave us a lot of good minutes off the bench last year and worked his way into the starting line up by the end of the season,” Brown said. “Josh Napper gives us a consistent scoring threat from the three-point line. Josh has been patient and waited for his opportunity, so we are anxious to see how he performs with an expanded role as a senior.”
Senior Austin Fry is a 6’3 forward who will be a key player this year. The junior class is large with Ian Carr (6’3 forward), Isaiah Anderson (6’2 guard), Michael Ryan (6’2 guard), Bennett Schnitzer (6’3 forward), Tristan Wilson (6’5 forward), Peyton Mitchell (5’7 guard), Josh Wright (5’7 guard) and Larik Chodes (5’10 guard). Wilson and Anderson have the most experience in that group seeing action in five varsity games last year.
“Last season was a fun year. It was a good season and we had a great group of seniors. However, we’re focused on this year’s team now, which will be led by a new group of seniors, Tyler, Caleb, Josh and Austin, along with a junior class that is eager to help contribute to a successful season,” Brown said.
Lebanon will open the season on Nov. 24 at home against Branson with expectations remaining the same for the Yellowjackets.
“The expectations this year will be the same as they are every year,” Brown said. “Our kids have to be willing to accept the role they’re given, and do what is asked of them, in order to help our program continue to grow and develop. We have to work extremely hard on the defensive end, which means finishing each possession with a rebound. The teams we play are way too good, we can’t give them extra opportunities to score. Offensively we have to value every possession, taking care of the basketball will be a big focus for us this year as it is every year. Like any new season, we will be presented with a new set of obstacles to overcome as a team, especially when you think about the COVID-19 pandemic, which we’ve already seen create issues for the fall sports teams. Regardless, for us it doesn’t matter who, or how many. Our coaching staff, players, and community are ready for the upcoming season.”
