There will certainly be a new look for the Plato Eagle boys’ basketball squad this winter.
Plato is coming off a strong season, having finished 17-10 overall and 4-3 in the Frisco League in 2024-25. The season came to an end to eventual state champion Eugene in the semifinals of the Class 2 District 9 Tournament.
However, Plato will have to replace the league MVP and head coach this campaign.
Lost to graduation are the Eagles’ lone two seniors from last season, forwards Drew Woodruff and Tanner Atterberry.
Woodruff was the Frisco League Player of the Year.
Plato will also transition to a new coach, although he’s a familiar face. Shannon Crain resigned as Eagles boys’ head coach. He is being replaced by Chris Couch, who served as the Plato Lady Eagles head coach last season.
While trying to re-define roles, Coach said the Eagles must depend on a balanced attack.
“The main thing for us to be as successful as we can is to do everything by committee and to have some versatility,” Coach said.
Coach is hoping that 6-4 senior forward Noah Fletcher can make a successful comeback to help lead the charge.
Fletcher missed all of last season due to a knee injury.
Among the other key returners for Plato include 6-4 sophomore forward Porter McCabe, 6-0 junior guard Ike Eutsler and 5-6 sophomore guard Will Chatman.
“Fletcher coming in will give us interior pressure,” Couch said. “We have a couple of other kids with lingering injuries we hope will come back and help with our length and athleticism.
“There are a lot of things we’ve got to learn from each other, with a new coach coming in. As long as we can buy in, I think we’ll be fine.”
