Daredevils hope to rebound from less-than-stellar season

We have committed to being a more physical team.” JEROD SQUIRES WONDERVIEW BOYS COACH

Wonderview’s Daredevils suffered through a disappointing 7-23 campaign last season, winning just one game in the 1A-5 North. Look for them to bounce back this year. “We definitely did not have the season last year that as a Daredevil we strive for,” said coach Jerod Squires, starting his 16th year atop the program. “We lost several games late in the fourth quarter and could not find ways to win those close games. But the guys committed themselves this summer to take the steps necessary to correct those issues, and it has continued into the first couple months of school.” Seven of the top eight Daredevils from last year — 98 percent of their scoring — return. “Add in the sophomore group that had a very successful junior high career, and I truly expect to have a team that can compete with any team on our schedule each night,” Squires said. “The biggest question is, can we find ways to win those games? We have a great mix of talent; they are extremely hard workers and truly seem to enjoy playing for their teammates. “I believe this year’s team has the chance to get us back to competing for championships and making state-tournament appearances and making a run come March.” The coach said experience should help. The Daredevils return six players with starting experience, including Zane Haney, a 5-11 senior guard, 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game; Eli Harris, a 6-5 senior guard, 10 ppg, 5.5 rpg; Tyler Thomas, a 5-10 guard, 6.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg; Hunter Brown, a 6-1 forward, 9.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg; Will Chism, a 6-2 forward, 6.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg; and Trace Duvall, a 6-3 forward, 6.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg. Squires said Brown, Duvall and Chism each brings something different on offense. “Hunter has the best back-to-the-basket post moves of the three and has a chance to be one of the best post players in the conference this year if he puts his mind to it,” the coach said. “Trace is very long and active around the rim and has really improved his midrange jump shot. Will is without a doubt the strongest and most athletic player on the team. The sky’s the limit for Will this year as long as he approaches each game with the right mindset.” Outside, the Daredevils will look to a number of players. Haney and Harris, juniors Jacob Gullett and Colton Montgomery, and sophomore Landon Jones are dependable perimeter shooters. Depth is a strength for the first time in several years. The Daredevils have decent size, as well as speed off the bench, Squires said. “We have committed to being a more physical team,” he said. “We have placed an emphasis on defense and rebounding, but we have to find ways to win the close games, especially early in the season, and learn what it takes to win those games. Last year we struggled with turnovers and didn’t shoot the ball very well at times. We have spent a great deal of time this offseason and preseason with a major emphasis to improve on each of those areas, and I fully expect to see a difference this season.” But it’s another tough schedule that includes Guy-Perkins, the defending Class 1A state champion, and Shirley, last year’s runner-up. “And Norfork, Jasper, County Line and Conway St. Joseph all have a very deep and rich basketball tradition,” Squires said. “Our county rival games with Sacred Heart and Nemo Vista are always challenging as well.”