Conway Christian to make moves on defense

The Conway Christian Eagles won 13 games last year — more wins than in the previous four or five seasons combined, second-year head coach Trey Lynch said. “These kids showed tremendous growth,” Lynch said. “We are hoping to continue that trend upward and finish in the top half of the league while making some noise in the postseason.” Conway Christian finished 13-10 last year and returns three starters, including seniors Jacob Wood and Tyler Williams and junior Wyatt Lawrence. Wood finished with 13 points per game last season with 7 rebounds, while Williams and Lawrence both chipped in with 4 points per game. “Tyler Williams was asked to play somewhat out of position in a blue-collar position in a bluecollar four-man role last season,” Lynch said. “He is a smart, steady player who can always be counted on to carry out his assignment. “He did a great job in that four-man role but will be able to be a little more perimeteroriented this season with the addition of senior post man Kevin Callaway and junior post man Beau Stevenson.” Lynch said Callaway and Stevenson joined the team after not playing last season but had solid summers and “will be expected to anchor us defensively and control the boards.” “Kevin can also be hard to guard around the rim, and Beau has a great feel for how to play,” the coach said. Wood will be the primary ball handler and will be asked to create a lot of offense for himself and others, Lynch said. “He is a very good scorer and playmaker,” Lynch said. “Wyatt is a physical guard who was one of our best defenders last season and will return in that role, while hopefully taking on more scoring responsibility.” Lynch said Bennett Ellis provided a perimeter shooting threat in the sixth-man role last season. “We should make significant strides defensively in year 2 of our system,” Lynch said. “The added inside presence creates a more dynamic and balanced offense.” The coach said the game against Conway St. Joseph will be the one to watch. “They are our crosstown rival and will be a huge matchup for our standing in the conference,” Lynch said. “White County Central and Quitman will be the favorites to win the conference. “Both squads are very well-coached and return a plethora of guards from teams that had a run of postseason success last season.”