A pair of returning starters are expected to lead the way for the McDonald County boys basketball team this winter.
Senior guards Cross Dowd and Sterling Woods both return with prior starting experience for the Mustangs.
“Sterling Woods will be the floor general and our point guard playmaker, putting players in position to be successful,” Mustangs coach Brandon Joines told SoMo Sports. “Cross Dowd utilizes his scoring ability and defensive play to lead the team through experience.”
Dowd earned second-team all-conference honors after averaging 12 points and three rebounds per game last season. Woods averaged eight points and three assists per game last winter.
“We definitely have some players we feel are ready to step up and make positive things happen for our program this year,” Joines said. “Our varsity experience and leadership will come primarily from the guard positions, which means we’ll have some new key contributors on both ends of the floor as we look to compete for conference and district titles this season. We have a roster with several guys who have competed in big games outside of just basketball, and now they’ll have the opportunity to see increased playing time on the court.”
Other players returning with prior varsity experience who will be in bigger roles this season are senior forward Weston Gordon, senior guard Dalton McClain, junior forwards Josh Pacheco and Destyn Dow and junior center Toby Moore.
“Josh Pacheco and Destyn Dowd must provide athletic length on the defensive end for us to contain opposing offenses, while the former also provides an offensive spark with his improved scoring ability at the varsity level,” Joines said. “Weston Gordon will provide hustle and grit as a high IQ player with great awareness for the ball, while Toby Moore (6-4, 285) must be a force inside with his unique size, rebounding, and finishing ability. Dalton McClain’s shooting can provide an added spark to our offensive success, as well.”
Junior guard Sam Barton and senior guard Jaxson Harrell are other players who are competing for varsity playing time.
McDonald County went 5-1 in the Big 8 West and 12-14 overall last season. The Mustangs lost a talented senior class to graduation. It featured the likes of Cole Martin, Pierce Harmon, Eli McClain, Teddy Reedybacon and Bo Leach.
With those losses to graduation, the Mustangs will need several players to take on expanded roles.
“Whenever you have a significant amount of production leave through graduation, it’s always exciting to see others fill the void with their increased opportunities,” Joines said. “Our work ethic, grit, and will-to-win must rise up to match the goals we wish to accomplish this season as guys get more comfortable in their expanded roles.”
Guard play should be a big strength of the Mustangs this season. Joines noted the team features several multi-sport athletes who bring a lot of versatility and athleticism, as well.
“Our experience at the guard positions will be a key factor in accomplishing our goals,” he said, “and the fact that many of our players are multi-sport athletes has allowed them opportunities for athletic growth through competing in important games outside of just basketball. As with most teams with strong guard play and experience, we anticipate decent scoring output and ball movement on the offensive end.”
As far as areas of concern, Joines noted the team must improve defensively and limit turnovers.
“Improvement on the defensive end is an absolute must,” Joines said. “And we need to maximize opportunities and minimize mistakes on the offensive end. Improvement requires strong work-ethic, dedication and trust as players and coaches become acclimated to our somewhat shifted roster through continuous reps in practice and games.”
McDonald County opens the season at Joplin on Tuesday night.
The Mustangs’ first home game will be Dec. 6 against Hillcrest. The team hosts the Mustang Classic from Dec. 15-17.
