Attitudes outshine inexperience for Ramblers

Coach Zac Prothro said that after graduating a phenomenal group of seniors last year, the Rose Bud Ramblers have big shoes to fill. “I feel that if we can improve throughout the season, we can make a push and overcome tough opponents late in the year and, hopefully, make a run,” he said. The 3A-2 Conference team had an overall record of 17-10 last year, he said, and will enter the season with no returning starters. The team’s primary weaknesses are inexperience, depth and lack of size, Prothro said. “It will be a challenge, but we have to control the tempo in games and make our opponents beat us,” he said. “We cannot beat ourselves.” Prothro said that despite inexperience, the team’s selflessness and hardworking mentality are definite strengths that could pull the Ramblers through. Practices are going well so far, and players are moving along and trying to get better every day, he said. Three outside players — senior Jordan Wray, junior Dalton Hall and junior Josh Hampton — stand out among the players, Prothro said. Wray is hardworking, a good leader and smart with the ball, the coach said, while Hall is athletic and great as both an inside player and a defender. “Hampton can shoot the ball well and is able to finish around the rim,” Prothro added. While senior Stone Nix was unable to play last season because of an injury, Prothro said, Nix stands out for his hard work, athleticism and ability to rebound the ball. “He hurt his back and sat out last year. He came back this year wanting to play and try it out again. His back has healed up pretty well, so that’s positive,” the coach said. Prothro said games to watch will include Harding Academy, Bald Knob and Riverview. “[They] always seem to bring out the best crowds, and they are conference games. So usually, those games have an exciting atmosphere and are very competitive,” he said. “I feel like all of our teams in the conference this year are very good. Riverview should be good again; they bring back most of their core players,” Prothro said. “Also, Harding Academy seems to find a way to reload every year, and I know they return some of their core as well. “We were one game away from making state last year. That’s one thing we really want to strive for this year.” The team consists of a young group of players, but Prothro said their attitudes and effort will make up for their inexperience. Team members are positive, work hard and are fun to be around, he said.