Coach says ‘team-first players’ have good work ethic

The Sheridan Yellowjackets will try to fill the defensive void left by a group of scrappy seniors, head coach Joe Scott said. “Last season, we were a very good defensive team,” said Scott, who is in his sixth year with Sheridan. “Our last four games, we gave up only 38 to Lake Hamilton, 32 to Russellville, 40 to Greenwood and 51 to Marion in double overtime. “We need to fill those voids on defense. If we buy into the defensive end and play with determination and physicality, then I believe this group can exceed last year’s team.” Sheridan lost to Marion on a buzzer-beating shot in double overtime in the first round of the 6A state tournament. The Yellowjackets finished the year 14-14. Returning starters include senior guard Tyler Cleveland and senior post player Jackson Coleman. Cleveland, who is committed to playing baseball at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, led the team in scoring with 16 points per game, in rebounding with 4.2 rebounds per game and was a 78 percent free-throw shooter. He was named to the all-conference and all-state tournament teams. “He has really expanded his game,” Scott said. “He has always been a good shooter with great footwork who can catch and shoot the ball, but now he has improved his scoring off the bounce and his post game.” Last year, Cleveland’s three highest scoring games were against Little Rock McClellan (35), Hot Springs Lakeside (32) and Greenwood (26). “He has the ability to score from anywhere,” Scott said. Coleman averaged 3 rebounds a game last season and was a 51 perfect field-goal shooter. Scott described him as a great defender with good inside presence. Sophomore power forward Tyler Cacciatori will start for the Yellowjackets this season after playing some as a freshman. “Tyler is a very gifted player,” Scott said. “He has great body control and balance. “TCat is really strong for a kid his age, finishing around the rim. He is very efficient with his shots, as he doesn’t need many shots to score points.” He was 64 percent from the field last year, averaging 7 points per game and 4 rebounds in just six games.

“He was a big contributor for us at the end of the season, and now he moves forward as our main scoring threat inside,” the coach said. Scott said Sheridan should have a chance to score more points this season, thanks to the combination of Cacciatori and Cleveland. “Cleveland is a very gifted scorer, and along with Cacciatori developing his inside game and returning starter Jackson Coleman, we have a nice 1-2 combo inside and outside,” Scott said. “Much of our success will be determined on how our other players step up.” Scott said strengths for this year include a solid half-court defense and a good work ethic from his players. “We are very sound and fundamental,” Scott said. “We have smart players who understand our defensive philosophies and are team-oriented, team-first players,” Scott said Weaknesses for Sheridan include depth, team speed and lack of a true point guard. “We have a blend of seniors, juniors and sophomores that’ll all have to play at a high level for us to be successful,” Scott said. “We will have to be committed to the defensive end and rebounding to make gains, but I believe this group can do it.”