Always Wright is not only the lone returning starter for the Joplin boys basketball team, he’s also the sole player on the 2020-21 roster with significant varsity experience.
With that, it’s safe to say Wright is expected to lead the way for the Eagles this winter.
“Always has to carry a pretty heavy load for us with the experience he has being a two-year starter,” Eagles coach Jeff Hafer said after Thursday’s jamboree inside Kaminsky Gymnasium.
A 6-foot-3 junior guard, Wright averaged nine points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal per game during a solid sophomore season, earning third-team all-Central Ozark Conference honors.
A sharp-shooter who can play either guard spot, Wright also gained plenty of varsity experience as a freshman. Hafer expects Wright to take his game to another level this winter as both a playmaker and scorer.
Hafer said his team’s other starting spots are still up for grabs ahead of Tuesday’s season-opener against McDonald County.
“It’s still wide open,” Hafer said. “We played a ton of different guys and used a lot of different lineups (at the jamboree). We’re trying to find our way. We’re still defining roles. I think we have a lot of guys who are trying to separate themselves from the others right now. It’s going to take a little bit of time.”
Fielding Campbell, Dominick Simmons, Micah Bruggeman, Malik Williams, Carson Wampler and Zayshon Hugley are the team’s seniors. Campbell (5-11), Simmons (5-9) and Wampler (5-11) are guards, while the 6-3 Bruggeman is a guard/forward. The 6-5 Hugley and the 6-4 Williams are post players.
In addition to Wright, other juniors on the roster are Bruce Wilbert, Wyatt Satterlee, Joe Jasper, Jalen Windham, LT Atherton, Brantley Morris, Zack Sparrow and Calvin Clark.
Sophomores on the roster are Dante Washington, Hobbs Campbell, Chris Ugalde and Terrance Gibson.
Freshman All Wright, a 6-1 guard, is another player who is likely to contribute nicely at the varsity level this winter. Always and All Wright spent time in the backcourt together throughout the jamboree.
The Eagles went 21-6 in a stellar 2019-20 season. Led by its senior class, including all-conference selections Isaiah Davis, Zach Westmoreland and Dakarai Allen, Joplin captured a district championship before falling to Kickapoo in the sectional round of the Class 5 state tournament.
“We’re a different team this year,” Hafer said. “But I think we have the skill to be really good offensively. Defensively, we’re not as strong and athletic as we’ve been in the past. We’re going to have to find a way to defend and rebound if we want to be able to compete at a consistent level.”
Hafer, who is assisted by James Spencer, Brandon Pate and Alex Smith, noted there’s a lot to like about this year’s squad.
“We have some depth,” said Hafer, who is now in his seventh season in charge of the boys program at his alma mater. “It could be a different guy on a different night this year. They’re working hard and they’re a fun group to be around. They’re a good group to coach. That part makes me excited to come to the gym.”
1 thought on “Always Wright will lead new-look Joplin boys basketball team”
Coach Hafer is my younger brother’s youngest son. It has been fun following his career as a player and coach. Maximizing the talents of his team will be a challenge this year. Looking forward to seeing which of his players will step up into leadership roles to realize another great season. Go Eagles!