Headed to the Courts (Niangua)

Winter Sports is fast approaching and with that comes perhaps one of the most anticipated Basketball. That said, we reached out to the coaches in the Webster County area and asked them about the upcoming season.

Speaking for the Niangua Cardinals Boys' Basketball is Coach  Kalem Copling and Girls' Basketball is Coaches Clinton Gazette.

What are your goals for the season? 

Gazette: Since I have been here, we have won 10 or more games yearly, so we would like to keep the double-digit wins going.

Copling: We bring back a solid core of players from last year's team. This group of kids has been playing Basketball together for the last couple of years and keeps improving yearly. We won 11 games last season and are looking to have a winning record for the first time since 2014. We also want to keep improving as an overall unit and use everyone's strengths when we need to take advantage. At Niangua, a small group of kids sometimes come out for sports. So we can use that to our advantage because most of our players have been getting significant Varsity experience since their freshman year.

What are you looking forward to during the season?

Gazette: I was planning to retire this year, but since the three girls who played for me last year came back, I decided to stick around for one more year or two.

Copling: I look forward to seeing the boys come together and play hard every night. We will play faster this year but also be able to control tempo when needed. These kids have worked hard in the offseason on their skills and their bodies and better care of themselves.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

Gazette: Watching players go from "I can barely dribble or I do not know if I can take the ball from anyone" to basketball players is fun. I also like to see those kids become great role models and citizens. I have not recently had a girl graduate from here that has yet to be successful. So it is a pretty good feeling.

Copling: I enjoy building relationships with the kids and seeing them grow and improve each year. This senior group was 6th graders in my first year at Niangua, and I have enjoyed being able to coach them all these years.

Who are some players to look out for, and why?

Gazette: Allie Petty, Addi Terry, and Ashtyn Callaway are returning this year and understand what hard work is. So they hold the other kids accountable. 

Copling: Ethan Scheetz (Jr, 6'2 G) - Ethan is looking to have a big Junior year, he does a lot for our team, and he will look to improve in every area this year. 11.3 ppg, 6 rpg, 4.1 apg, 2spg,2nd Team All-Conference, All-District.

Clayton Henderson (Jr, 5'10 G) - Clayton has improved in his scoring ability and will be looking to have a better defensive year and be able to get others involved. 12.9 ppg, 2.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1 SPG, 1st Team All-Conference, All-District.

Brayden Johnston (Sr, 5'8 G) - Brayden has been one of the hardest workers for me in my time at Niangua. Brayden has never been the biggest on the floor but needs to get outworked. 8.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.4 spg.

Hunter Cantrell (Jr, 6'2 F) - Hunter is our man down low, and we will look for him to have an improved season this year while understanding how to use his strength more efficiently. 5.5 ppg, 6 RPG.

Evan Kochs (Jr, 6'2 F) - Evan is looking to have a breakout season. Evan is one of the better shot blockers for his size and can guard multiple positions. 4.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2.2 bpg. Ross Stuber (Jr, 5'9 G) 

Tannier Dunn (Soph, 5'11 G) will also be key contributor to the Varsity team this season.

We, citizens of Webster County, look forward to what the season brings to these teams.