College Heights Christian boys basketball returns three starters who will not only lead the Cougars this season, but next year as well.
College Heights’ returnees are highlighted by junior Miller Long, who averaged 16.5 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. Sophomore Curtis Davenport is also back after averaging 10.9 points and seven rebounds a game as a freshman. Junior Haden Beck brings back 4.6 points and three rebounds from last season.
“The three returning starters we have all had good experience last year and are still underclassmen,” Johnson said. “It makes a big difference. This is Miller’s third year as a starter, and he is a really good leader for us. Curtis played inside for us last year, but he can move outside even standing at 6-5. Haden started the second half of the year for us last season. … We are looking for a lot out of him this year.”
Junior Ethan Adel and senior Evan Burton figure to fill out the starting five for the Cougars. Junior Ethan Meeks, a 6-foot-6 Joplin transfer, figures to see heavy minutes as the sixth man or a spot starter this season. Johnson will be looking for his remaining reserves to carve out their roles as the season progresses.
One thing College Heights will rely on heavily this season for production on both sides of the floor is its size and ability to create matchup problems inside. When it comes to areas the team will need to work on, the play at the guard positions will be key.
“We have really stressed about focusing on developing a good inside game,” Johnson said. “We can always go back out with it, but with our size, hopefully our inside game is our strength.
“The guard position is a little suspect, and a little what we are worried about right now. It comes with experience. Hopefully, by January, it will have taken care of itself.”
It didn’t take long for COVID to have an impact on the Cougars’ season. Originally, College Heights was supposed to open the season with a matchup against Rich Hill. After the Tigers were forced to quarantine both the boys and girls teams, College Heights was forced to find a new opponent, which turned out to be Chadwick tonight in the season opener.
“It will be interesting to see how they handle it,” Johnson said about his team’s ability to adapt this season. “Almost all of our kids have already been in quarantine (this year). Only about one or two haven’t. … It’s a new type of adversity.”
College Heights’ matchup is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be played at Ozark Christian College.
