Based on the personnel returning, Waynesville High School boys’ basketball head coach Anthony Caruso might be ready to make a jump in competitiveness in the murderous Central Ozark Conference this season.
After a 6-19 overall and 0-6 COC record in his first season as Tiger head coach, Caruso has reason for optimism this winter.
Waynesville has much experience returning, including five players with varsity starting experience to build around.
“This year we want to keep moving in the right direction and build on the progress we established in our first season together,” Caruso said. “We like the makeup of our team; our young guys are another year older; we’ve matured physically and mentally, and we have a better understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level. If we can continue to grow in toughness, trust and accountability, we believe this group can help the Waynesville basketball program take another positive step forward.”
The Tigers want to turn up the offense after averaging just 46.8 points per game a season ago, as the 54.6 points allowed was a positive.
“Last year, with such a young group, we tried to control the tempo on offense early in the season,” Caruso said. “That approach didn’t translate into much success, and I believe it caused us to play timid. This year, with more experience, we expect to take advantage of playing at a faster pace. For us to be successful, players will need to be great teammates, be selfless and trust one another. The toughest basketball lessons involve shot selection and moving the basketball; knowing what’s a good shot, what’s a bad shot and being unselfish will be keys for us.
“Last year I cost us a few games early by being stubborn and wanting to see our matchup zone succeed. Because of that, the guys didn’t get to experience the success they had earned early on. Once we made the switch to executing multiple defenses, we were able to compete at a higher level. As a staff, we plan to build on those strengths we saw last season and emphasize grit.”
Players back with starting experience include 6-1 senior guard/forward Brandon Jackson, 5-11 senior guard Codye Black, 6-3 junior guard/forward Jerome Shelton, 5-7 junior point guard Omar Gonzalez and 6-3 junior guard/forward Jaiden Reynolds.
Others back looking for spots in the varsity rotation are 6-4 senior forward Kirkon Welsh, 5-11 junior guard Arik Killea, 5-8 junior point guard MJ Greene, 6-2 senior forward Ownen Schick, 5-9 sophomore point guard Isaiah Quimbley and 6-4 sophomore forward Camron Dillon.
Black averaged 11.3 points, 1.6 steals and shot 36% from three-point range and 78% from the free throw line a season ago while Reynolds averaged 10.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals; Jackson 8.9 points, 4.4 boards and hit 31% from three-point range; Gonzalez 4.6 points, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals, and Shelton 2.4 points and 1.5 assists.
“Brandon is a skilled forward who is capable of finishing at all three levels,” Caruso said. “He had a great summer for us and played basketball at a high level this summer with Missouri Flight. If Brandon can fully embrace playing with physicality, then he could be a menace on both sides of the floor. Codye is a rare four-year starter in the COC and was the primary focus of opposing defenses. While that role brought some frustration, it also built resilience and pushed him to improve weaknesses in his game. This offseason he added muscle to his frame and worked on his overall strength, which should complement his skill set. If he can consistently play with patience and poise in the face of adversity, he has the potential to have a special season. Jerome has worked tirelessly to improve his game, beginning the day after our season ended. He’s made tremendous progress with his shot and has grown to 6-3. He’s also added stronger ball-handling skills, which will put him in a better position to showcase his natural passing instincts. His biggest challenge will be resisting the urge to settle around the perimeter and instead attack the rim. Once he gets downhill, he’s a real threat.
“Omar has been playing meaningful minutes since his freshman year. Ideally, you wouldn’t ask a ninth- or 10th-grader to carry the load as the primary ballhander in the COC, but those experiences have really helped him grow. He plays with a good IQ, can create for his teammates and has been shooting the ball well this offseason. As a staff, we’re excited to see his growth take a step forward. Jaiden has the opportunity to capitalize on a strong sophomore season. He has great range and can finish through contact at the rim. His best quality is his knack for making things happen on both ends of the floor.
“Kirk is rehabbing his way back from a knee injury right now. We are hopeful that he will suit up for us this season. He is an interesting athlete, in the fact that he brings size and athleticism and can play inside/out. Arik is a young man that we would like to see make a jump this year. He is explosively fast and has the ability to finish at the rim and beyond the arc. The key for him will be finding consistency in his game. MJ will be vying for meaningful minutes. He brings football toughness to the program and he is a kid that is willing to lay it on the line. His ball-handling ability sets him apart. Owen tore his ACL playing football his junior season and we are really excited to have him back. He’s a natural leader and brings the physicality and communication we have been missing.”
