Yellowjackets look to avoid repeat of early state-tourney exit
After two straight early exits from the Class 6A State Tournament, the Yellowjackets are hopeful that this season will be different. Sheridan finished 15-15 and fell to Marion 79-61 in last year’s state tournament. “Obviously, we would like to improve [on our record], but overall, we want to work hard every single day,” Sheridan coach Joe Scott said. “Our conference is so difficult that we will have to play well every game to be victorious.” One of the reasons Scott is optimistic is 6-6, 220-pound junior post player Tyler Cacciatori, who averaged 17 points and 9 rebounds per game last winter. He scored 20 or more points in nine games with a season-high 31 points against Little Rock McClellan. “I really believe he is one of the most unknown players in the state,” Scott said. “He put up phenomenal numbers as a sophomore. He has really improved his overall game. He has great size and can play multiple positions. We look forward to him having an outstanding junior season.” Senior guard Matt White, 6-0, 165, is the only other returning starter, the coach said. White averaged 5.5 points per game last season and torched El Dorado for a season-high 20 points. “Many times, Matt took on the challenge of guarding the other team’s best players,” Scott said. Junior Steph Thomas, 6-0, 160, has been impressive during the offseason and will man the point-guard spot, the coach said. Senior guard Logan Ingram, 5-8, 135, also looks for more time in the backcourt. Juniors Taylor Melton, 6-0, 160; Jacob Holinger, 5-10, 160; Jairus Adams, 5-10, 155; and Seth Alexander, 5-10, 175, add guard depth, the coach said. Junior Blake Morris, 6-3, 175, looks for more time at forward after scoring 7 points in the state-tournament loss to Marion, and senior forward Aaron Fenters, 6-3, 175, also seeks more minutes this season, Scott said. Undersized senior post Hunter Threlkeld, 6-1, 200, showed promise at the end of last season with aggressive play in the paint, Scott said, and Threlkeld is a crafty rebounder and pulled down 11 boards against El Dorado and 10 against White Hall.