Coach: Purpose, intensity key to overcoming inexperience

The McCrory Jaguars ended their 2017-18 season with an 8-13 record, but new coach Tyler Thomas hopes he can use the players’ love of the game to bring them to victory. This is Thomas’ first year as the McCrory Jaguars basketball coach, and he is ready to jump into the 2018-19 season. “I previously coached basketball in southern Illinois in the Carterville school district for five seasons,” he said. The Jaguars have several sophomores and juniors who will be playing a lot this year, but Thomas said he thinks his players will hit the court with ferociousness every time. “Our strengths as a team include our ability to play hard on every possession,” he said. “Regardless of talent, the players on our team genuinely love playing basketball and play with a high level of intensity. This skill deflects some of the weaknesses we might possess.” Thomas said returning starters this year include guards Trent Lee, Carson Stracner and T.J. Alford, as well as forward Jaylon Robinson. “Jaylon is a 6-2 lefty forward who has a soft touch around the rim, ranges out to 15 to 17 feet for midrange jumpers and sports a strong body to fight for position down low and explode for baskets inside,” Thomas said. “Trent is a 5-11 guard who has a quick first step and the ability to get to the basket quickly and with power. Trent displays strength and explosion going to the basket and has 3-point range and a never-ending motor that makes him wreak havoc on defense.” Thomas said the Nov. 12 rivalry game against Augusta will be one that fans won’t want to miss, and Earle will be one of McCrory’s toughest opponents. “My hope is that our young group of men will come out every game with intensity and purpose, which will give us an opportunity to be in every game at the end with a chance to win,” the coach said.