Greenbrier boys return 5 with starting experience
Greenbrier’s boys came up one game short of qualifying for the Class 5A State Tournament last year, but the Panthers’ returning experience could get them over the hump in 2023.
The Panthers lost their 5A-West finale at Greenwood last year, 69-51, to miss the state tournament and finish 14-13 overall, including a 6-8 run through the conference schedule.
“I think we will have a good chance to be one of the top four seeds and make the playoffs this year,” said coach Mike Simmons, starting his 10th season at Greenbrier High School.
Three full-time starters return for 2022-23, including Jack Rusick, a 6-2 senior; Aidan Berry, a 6-5 junior; and Eli Weaver, a 6-2 point guard.
Jace Dunlap, a 5-9 senior guard; and Hayes Johnson, a 6-5 senior forward, also return with some starting experience.
“We have a lot of players with returning experience outside,” Simmons said, referring to Runsick, Berry, Weaver and Dunlap. “Berry has good size and can really score. Spencer Melton, a 5-9 senior, and Cayden Hartman, a 5-11 junior guard, have both had really good offseasons and will contribute and have a chance to start.”
Inside, Johnson also had a good offseason, the coach said.
“We expect him to have a solid year,” Simmons said. “Braxton Collins, a 6-3 forward; Dax Caughern, a 6-5 senior; and Lawson Worthey, a 6-3 junior, will have to play good minutes and produce.”
The coach said team strengths include that returning experience.
“We should be able to score better than we did last year,” Simmons said.
Another strength could be a good sophomore class, he said.
“Several of those could work themselves into playing time as the year goes along,” the coach said.
However, the Panthers lost some size and rebounding ability with last year’s senior class.
“We will have to really work daily on post defense and being physical with our defensive rebounding,” Simmons said.
In the 5A West, Greenbrier will face Harrison, Van Buren, Siloam Springs, Russellville, Mountain Home, Greenwood and Alma. Russellville reached the state quarterfinals last year.
“Our schedule is really tough this year. We will have to be ready and prepared for every game,” Simmons said. “We had a lot of games last year that came down to a few points,” Simmons said. “I hope we can win a few more of those and make the state playoffs this year.”