Miners’ experience leads to high expectations
After an appearance at the second round of the state tournament last year, the Bauxite Miners are past dreaming and now see the state tournament as an achievable goal for the 2017-18 season. “Last season was the furthest a basketball team from Bauxite has been,” coach Andy Brakebill said. “With having a lot of experience back, we now are to the point of expecting to get back to the state tournament, not just hoping to get there. The kids know what it takes because they have been there and are battle-tested.” The Miners have eight returning seniors, which will help the team strive toward its goal this season. “We will have a lot of quickness and should be able to shoot the ball better as a team,” Brakebill said. Seniors Cooper Wright, Brandon Hopkins and Kylon Clark are all valuable inside players for the Miners, the coach said. “Cooper started every game for us last year. He provides a big body for us inside. We are looking for him to be more consistent for us this season. Also, I think Cooper will have the ability to step out and hit some perimeter shots for us when his defenders stay inside,” Brakebill said, “Brandon played the 4 and 5 for us last season. He has the ability to stretch the floor. He can play inside and outside. Kylon is our utility guy. He can play multiple positions, whether it be inside or on the perimeter. He works really hard and battles.” On the outside, seniors Colton Robinson, Graham Chenault and Jacob Stroud; sophomore Max Chenault; and junior Gary Storment are expected to shoot well this season, the coach said. “Colton is a two-year starter for us. He is our best defender and will be playing a lot of point for us this year,” Brakebill said. “Graham started every game for us last season. Graham was our best all-around scorer last season. He is a versatile player who can play inside and out. He can really shoot the ball well. Teams are going to key on him this year.” While the Dec. 5 and Jan. 23 games against Baptist Prep will be ones to watch — Bauxite lost to them in close games three times last season — the Miners will be playing their best at every game this season, Brakebill said. “We are going to compete every night and be very fundamental in what we are doing,” he said. “We are going to push the ball in transition when the opportunities are there. We will also be very multiple on the defensive end at times. We have a lot of experience returning. After making it to the second round of the state tournament last season, we are excited about the opportunity to get back and see what happens.”