Dedication, improved shooting to propel Pioneers
The Batesville Pioneers have nowhere to go but up this season, as the team finished 1-23 overall and 0-9 in conference play for 2016-2017. Although last season’s record looks bad on paper, it does not tell the whole story. While the Pioneers did get outlasted by some better teams last season, they also gave some teams a lot of trouble, losing closely contested single-digit games, including overtime losses to Beebe and Greenbrier, two games that will be key to watch for the upcoming season. Coming into the 2017-2018 season, fourthyear head coach Chad LaRose said the team has changed tremendously, for the better. “[This is] by far the best offseason and preseason we have had since I’ve been at Batesville. Multiple guys have put in a lot of gym time since the season ended last year,” LaRose said. “Also, as a whole, this is the best shooting team we have had. In the past, one or two guys could knock down shots, where as this year, I feel we have five or six who can knock down shots. We are also more complete in the post area. We have guys with speed, height and strength. The district tournament is at Batesville this year, so getting hot at the right time could play a big role.” LaRose added that many teams in the conference have graduated seniors that were impact players, so that could help Batesville gain an advantage. Batesville will rely on its lone returning starter, senior post player Demetrice Holliday, 6-4, to instantly be an impact player to open the season. As a junior, Holliday started every game for the Pioneers and averaged 8 points and 9 rebounds per game, proving to be valuable for Batesville. LaRose said the other possible starters include junior guard Dylan Clem, 5-11; senior forward Brandon Williams, 5-11; senior guard Jacob Warner, 5-10; and senior forward Brock Sturdivant, 5-11. “Dylan and Brandon each got a handful of starts last year. Both have improved their overall game,” LaRose said. “Brandon will be our 4 man, playing mostly inside, while Dylan will be a shooting guard. Jacob has stepped up and become a better shooter. We need him to knock down multiple 3-pointers a game.” Along with these key players, the Pioneers will have a host of role players looking to make an impact off the bench, the coach said. These include junior guard Devin Mask, 5-7; junior guard Tyler Mickle, 5-7; and freshman post player John Paul Morgan, 5-10. “Both [Mask and Mickle] will be put in the role as point guard. They can both find their way to the basket in transition, and both have the ability to create their own shot in the half court. Both are very good to have at this position,” LaRose said. “John has been moved up to help at the post this year. He has stepped in and provided an instant impact. [He’s] knowledgeable of the game and gets up and down the floor for a big man. [He] will see multiple minutes a game.” Look for Batesville to try to take advantage on the boards while using its newfound shooting ability to pull out close games, the coach said. LaRose said the team’s biggest struggle will be letting go of the past. “I feel like once we get over the first hurdle of winning, we could get on a roll and have a 12-15-win season, something Batesville needs and is ready for,” he said. He added that the team should improve this season in conference play. “We match up well in the blended conference. I truly believe come January, we should be playing our best ball and should make a run to compete for that title,” he said. He added that Morrilton and Searcy are two athletic teams that will provide a challenge, as well as Nettleton in the 5A-East, a team LaRose expects to be at the top. Batesville will look to be a much improved team coming into the season and may surprise some teams in the conference. It will be interesting to see how far the Pioneers can go with this new look.