Experience key for ‘battle-tested’ Pioneers

Conference: 5A East

Coach: Chad LaRose

Assistant coach: Garrett Eoff

2019-20 record: 16-11

Returning starters: Seniors John Paul (J.P.) Morgan and Kyrese Johnson

Batesville retains some key upperclassmen from last season’s 16-11 team, and head coach Chad LaRose said the Pioneers have a great group of seniors on this year’s squad.

“I feel that our team’s strength is the experience of our returning players,” LaRose said. “These kids have been battle-tested from the toughness of our 4A Conference last year, and we know that it is going to take solid defense and continuity on offense for us to have a successful year.”

Returning this year is senior center John Paul (J.P.) Morgan, who averaged 15.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season. Also returning is senior guard Kyrese Johnson, who averaged 4.9 points and 2.5 assists. LaRose said Morgan is a three-year starter with great leadership skills and is a possible college prospect for Batesville.

“We will make mistakes, as many teams do, but I know they will be correctable as we progress throughout the season,” LaRose said.

Junior forward Thomas Morgan averaged 3.9 points and 5 rebounds per game last season before being injured during the second semester. Senior guard K.J. Cross averaged 3 points and 2.7 assists last season, and junior forward Logan McSpadden averaged 3 points and 3.8 rebounds.

The coach said senior guard Gunner Shell is a good shooter.

Freshman guard Caden Griffin is an “athletic guard with size and speed,” LaRose said.

“As the year goes on, every day will be a day for us to embrace the challenge of the game and gain valuable experience in practice and games,” LaRose said. “Our entire conference will be a great challenge for us night in and night out.”