Conference: 3A 5
Coach: Roger Moore
Assistant coach: Brandon Kelly
Last year’s record: 5-21 and seventh in the conference
Returning starters: Two starters return to the Cardinals this year. One is junior Gabe Richards (5-8 point guard), who was described by Moore as a good offensive player who knows the system and has been refining his skills in the offseason. Senior Joel Futrell (5-9 shooting guard) is a hard-worker for the team, and Moore said he is the team’s “purest shooter and a consistent man from the 3-point stripe.” Another senior returning to the team is Zack Kellons, (6-1 forward), who Moore said is working to get stronger and is good with the mid-range jump shots.
Best inside players: “Kellons had a lot of quality minutes last year,” Moore said. “We are working with him about getting inside and getting to the basket so he can both score and rebound.” Senior Aaron Jackson (6-1 post player) can also work the inside, the coach said. Moore also has high hopes for sophomore Cody Kitchens (6-4 center), who did well in the offseason, concentrating on setting inside. “He is the big body we need,” the coach said.
Best outside players: Wes Hinson (5-10 small forward) is a senior who had plenty of quality minutes last year that gave him good experience on the floor,” Moore said. Hinson is expected to play defense and have a small scoring role for the team. Junior Brake Denton (5-10 perimeter shooter) is focused on defense for the season, the coach said. Ryan Roush (6-2) can be used on the perimeter and also when the game goes inside. “He’s another big body for us, but he can also be effective outside,” Moore said.
How will you exceed the success of last year? “We are a better, more experienced team,” Moore said. “The juniors and seniors have gotten a lot of play time in past seasons, and it will show this year.” He also said that while the team is small compared to others in the conference, the Cardinal work ethic and defense will make a difference.
Weaknesses of the team: “Our perimeter guards rely on the 3-point shot too much,” Moore said. He also said the team will have to play defense better than last year, especially putting more pressure on the opponents inside.
Games to watch: The games with local and conference rival Glen Rose that will be played at Glen Rose on Jan 13 and at home on Feb. 7 to end the conference season are always the biggest games of the year.