By Sam McClanahan
The Pendleton County Wildcats basketball team finds itself in a position that is has not seen in several seasons. And that is to meet expectations that stem from previous success.
Not since the start of the 2018-19 season has the Wildcats program been viewed as one that could potentially bring home a district title, but that is exactly what is expected heading into this season. Following a 15 win season that saw the team reach the regional tournament last March, head coach Mason Monroe (entering his second season) now leads a team that was picked to finish sixth in the region by a preseason media poll and is viewed as at least a co-favorite to win a district championship (along with Nicholas County).
"We're not sneaking up on anybody this year," Coach Monroe said. "People around the area know that we're capable of holding our own and now it's up to us to play to our own expectations and accomplish the things we want to do this season," he said.
The Wildcats graduated their top two scorers from a season ago but boast a roster this year that is a blend of experience and youthful upside. A lot of varsity minutes this season will be logged by underclassmen who did not receive a lot of playing time last season, but a talented sophomore group is ready to step up and contribute on both ends of the floor.
Leading the way for the Wildcats will be the senior backcourt of Aden Merrill and Luke Gregg. Merrill has served as the team's point guard for the past two season's and will see his role expanded this season. Known for his superb ball handling and quick first step, Merrill will be counted on to provide more scoring this season from all over the court while also creating opportunities for his teammates. Gregg, a combo guard who can hurt opponents by knocking down three-point shots and getting to the basket, will be counted on to be a floor general, strong ball handler and locking down opposing guards on the defensive side of the court.
A handful of other upperclassmen will also be counted on to deliver when their number is called. Senior forward Jayden Gonzalez returns from shoulder surgery that cut short his junior campaign. Gonzalez is capable of scoring in a variety of ways and will use his length to disrupt opponents on defense. Senior newcomer Brayden Marquette could be the most intriguing player on the roster. Standing 6'6" Marquette provides the most size and length on the roster, the key to his success will be how quickly he can adapt to the speed and intensity of the varsity level. Coach Monroe says Marquette is learning on the fly and doing a great job absorbing everything being thrown at him. As the season progresses, he could have a very important role on the team. Fellow senior center Caleb Biddle will look to provide energy, physicality and an enthusiastic spark off the bench for the team. Biddle has never avoided contact or imposing his presence in past seasons and is a capable scorer around the rim. Junior guard Dawson Nichols returns and is viewed by many as the best one-on-one defender on the roster. He'll be relied on to continue being an above average defender while getting inside and pulling down some rebounds while also making good decisions with the ball in his hands.
A quartet of sophomores from the talented class of 2027 will be thrust into the limelight this season. Forward Hunter Keeton enters as a 6'2" athletic wing who plays the game with a high motor and is known as a tough player who can finish through contact. With size, length and athleticism at his disposal, Keeton will be counted on to contribute on both ends of the floor. Ja'Zi Grayson checks in this season as a combo guard who may very well be the best raw athlete on the team. Grayson can blow by opposing defenders with a quick first step and stellar ball handling. He's also a very capable outside shooter too. Speaking of shooting, Kamden O'Hara is a 6'2" shooting guard who can get hot from behind three-point range in a hurry. He's viewed as one of the best pure scorers on the roster and possesses a high IQ on the floor. Six-foot guard/forward Parker McCandless is an under the radar contributor who can fill out a stat sheet in a variety of ways. He's known his willingness to fly all over the floor, outside shooting and ability to rebound and defend.
"Our strengths this season includes our depth at the guard position and three-point shooting capabilities. We'll have to play fast in order to make up for our lack of size," Coach Monroe explained. "Our biggest concern? Rebounding. We'll have to keep the rebounding battle close and limit our opponents from getting second and third chances."
Pendleton County opens their season on December 3 hosting Bracken County. The team will look to end what is currently the second-longest drought in program history without a district championship (seven seasons). George Rogers Clark along with Montgomery County enter as the favorites to claim the 10th Region championship, with defending champions Campbell County also in the hunt. Coach Monroe along with his staff made up of Clay Monroe, Jackson Strong and Travis Keeton will look to keep the team trending in the right direction while building off of last season’s success.
"Our goal this season is to continue to build a winning culture," Monroe said. "We also want to bring the district title back home and make a run in the regional tournament."