Wampus Cats have new coach, 2 returning starters
Marcus Adams takes the reins of the Conway boys team this fall, and a pair of returning senior starters should help him put his mark on the program.
“We have nine seniors,” said Adams, who arrived at Conway High School after four seasons at Watson Chapel. “This year, expect our young men to be hard-nosed, playing hard, tough and selfless for each other.”
Returning starters from the Wampus Cat squad that finished 14-13 last year with an opening-round loss to Bentonville in the Class 6A State Tournament include 6-5 senior guard RJ Patton and 6-0 senior guard Colen Thompson. Patton can play inside or out, the coach said. “RJ is versatile in the post, and he can drive to the rim and has the ability to make plays for others and the ability to knock down the open shot,” Adams said. “Colen has the ability to shoot the 3-point shot.”
Trayveon Safford, a 6-7 junior, has “a high motor, is long, explosive and has the ability to defend,” the coach said.
Kanard Turner, a 6-3 sophomore guard, will also help the Wampus Cats outside.
“He has the ability to get to the rim with his speed, strength and athleticism,” Adams said.
The coach said Patton, Thompson, Safford and Turner could play college basketball.
“Patton has the ability to play multiple positions — point guard, wing, post,” Adams said. “He has a very high IQ for the game, and he’s long and does a good job of getting to spots on the floor for himself and to make plays for others. Thompson has the ability to guard on the defensive end and knock down the 3-point shot. He’s a very high-intensity young man. Safford has the ability with a high motor. He is explosive and a good defender, and he’s working on his ability to make open shots. Turner is an elite athlete who has the ability to get to the rim with his speed, strength and power. He plays well in the open floor, and his jump shot is improving every day.”
Adams cited two team strengths: “Our length and versatility to defend/play multiple positions. I think we have a chance of being really good in transition, but it has to start with our defense. Our offensive versatility, where we have guys that can play multiple positions, can help make our offense efficient.”
While Conway has nine seniors, a lack of experience is a team weakness, the coach said.
“For the majority of our guys, this will be their first year experiencing varsity basketball at its best,” Adams said. “To overcome that, I think we just have to make practice every day as uncomfortable as possible so we can make the games comfortable for them. But in that process, during the games, they are learning and growing game by game.”
The Wampus Cats will play in the 6A Central against Little Rock Southwest, North Little Rock, Little Rock Central, Jonesboro, Cabot and Bryant.
“Honestly, there is no one toughest team in our league,” Adams said. “Every night, we will have to put our best foot forward to give ourselves a chance to compete.”