BoysBasketball_2

By Jacki Wood

Some roles will change, but the South Nodaway boys basketball team should remain very competitive following last year’s 16-9 season.

Sixth-year Head Coach Dustin Skoglund said the team returns the core of the varsity rotation.

“(I’m excited) to see the players step into some new roles and pick up where we left off with the same energy and intensity,” he said. “We will try to replicate last year’s success through our continued defensive effort and intensity and transition game.”

The Longhorns had four seniors graduate last year, Dalton Warner, Michael McConkey, Creed Pulley and Ean Hicks, with Warner leaving behind some big shoes to fill as he was the team’s leading scorer and named to the All-Conference and All-District teams.

Plenty of talent is back, however, with returning lettermen Tristan Freemyer, Trey Farnan, Trent McGeorge, Caleb Prettyman, Logan Harlan, Jordan Murphy and Taylar Freemyer.

Farnan averaged 11.4 points and 10 rebounds per game; Taylar Freemyer averaged 9.7 ppg and 8.3 rpg; Harlan averaged 8.7 ppg; Tristan Freemyer averaged 6.7 ppg, 2.7 apg and 2.4 spg; and McGeorge averaged 7.0 ppg and 5.0 rpg.

Skoglund said the Longhorns will focus on execution in the half-court offense and improving perimeter shooting.

He said Jefferson and Mound City should be their toughest competition.

South Nodaway started the season with a 51-60 loss to King City and then placed 2nd in the Platte Valley International.