Every time out, Coach Ken Brown could always rely on his Wright City boys basketball team for a considerable effort this season. A pure passion for the game and desire to win was evident, says Brown. …
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Wildcats Determination Led to Improvement
Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
Every time out, Coach Ken Brown could always rely on his Wright City boys basketball team for a considerable effort this season.A pure passion for the game and desire to win was evident, says Brown.“Everybody played hard and on the same level,” said Brown. “I think it was a learning experience for our juniors that we can compete and win those close games.”Unfortunately, drive didn’t always result in victories, but going 8-17 was still a significant improvement over the Wildcats’ finish from a year ago.“From wins and losses, think we did a great job of getting over the hump,” said Brown. “Down the stretch we lost a lot of games by just a few points.”He says the next step will be closing the deal in those close games, putting themselves above the .500 mark.“We did make a lot of strides, but I don’t think it’s good enough,”said Brown. “It would be a disappointment if we had the same results next year.”He recalls a one-point loss to Orchard Farm and a two-point loss to Brussels as frustrating games that slipped away.Perhaps the Warriors most monumental win was defeating Warrenton for the first time in six year, outlasting the Warriors during an overtime battle in the Clopton Tournament.“That was a great step in the right direction,” said Brown.The Wildcats were led by junior Ty Davis, who netted 13.1 points and grabbed 4.5 rebounds per game. His work earned him All-EMO honors.“Ty stepped his game up to be an all-conference player,” said Brown. “He has improved a lot from his freshman year up to this point. The sky is the limit for Ty. He definitely needs to get stronger and be able to finish better around the rim.”Davis was part of a tremendous junior class that provided an attack all over the floor.“When we’re playing well is when we have a good inside-outside presence,” said Brown.Junior Christian Thompson was a pivotal part of that effort, averaging 10.3 points and a team-high 5.6 boards per contest as a force down low.Along with senior Jensen Elrod, they posed a defensive challenge for many opponents. Elrod added 4.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.“Once we started getting contributions from both Christian and Jensen, it helped out tremendously,” said Brown. “We were down two starters at the beginning of the year.”Senior Justin Wade provided a third threat, including a blocking force, inside.The point guard role was handled by senior Cody Klemp, who chipped in 7.1 points and dished out 2.8 assists each night.“Cody did a great job of distributing,” said Brown. “Last year he was expected to score a lot more, but he was able to facilitate more this year. Given the opportunity, he played well.”The Wildcats will return the core of their scoring next season.
Wright City junior Ty Davis led the Wildcats in scoring this season.
