Russellville Cyclones count on returning starters
Matt Hall has a renewed optimism as he starts his third year as coach of the Russellville Cyclones. After starting his first year with a 20-10 record, last season ended with a disappointing 4-21 record. He’s planning to turn that around this year. “We had zero returning starters last year and return all of our starters and add a good sophomore class to the mix,” he said. “We are hoping to use our experience to really improve on last year.” Returning starters are seniors Ryan Talley, 12 points and 5 rebounds per game last year; Javion White, 4 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists per game; Bryson George, 7 points and 2 rebounds per game; and juniors Rhett Adkins, 8 points and 5 rebounds; and Bowen Mathis, 7 points and 3 rebounds per game. Hall pointed to Adkins as his best inside player because of his “good length, good athleticism. We are really hoping Rhett will show a lot of growth from the experience he got last year playing as a sophomore.” The outside game has depth at the guard position, with three returning seniors and talented young players, the coach said. “We are expecting Ryan Talley, Javion White and Bryson George to have a good year for us as seniors. Juniors Bowen Mathis and JaKobe Donald have both had good summers and could be key players for us this year, as well,” Hall said. “We have a talented sophomore group that moved up and are expecting several of those kids to play some varsity minutes for us this year.” Depth is the team’s biggest strength, the coach said. “We do not have one superstar but will have lots of guys who are capable of making plays and guys that enjoy playing together,” Hall said. He’s realistic, too. “We will still be considered young this year and will need guys to grow up fast. Our biggest weakness will be lack of size,” the coach said. Hall pointed to three teams that will be the toughest: Alma, with its rich tradition of winning, as a tough opponent, along with Lake Hamilton, which he said is always well-coached and talented; and Cabot, which is always tough because it has “one of the best coaches in the state, Jerry Bridges.” Hall said his players make his job enjoyable. “This is a great group to coach. They love coming to practice every day and love competing,” Hall said. “I am proud to get to coach them.” Hall is also excited about his new assistant coach, Shelby Lewis. “He has done some great things to push us in the right direction,” Hall said.
We do not have one superstar but will have lots of guys who are capable of making plays and guys that enjoy playing together.” MATT HALL RUSSELLVILLE BOYS COACH