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The Pendleton County Wildcats basketball team
By: Sam McClanahan
The Pendleton County Wildcats basketball team conducted their summer exhibition schedule during the month of June and new head coach Mason Monroe used the time to implement a new approach.
Monroe and his squad realize that a lot of work will need to be done in order to turn around the program that has fallen on hard times in recent seasons. A big part of that plan will entail new strategies on both sides of the floor. Monroe believes that in order for his team they'll have to work harder than ever and play to their strengths. "This team is going to have a lot of experience on it. We'll have seven seniors and some juniors who have played a lot of varsity minutes. I believe that if we can push the ball and play at a faster tempo, it will lead to good things," Monroe said.
"We'd much rather try to play games where we put up 60 to 70 points than try pull out a low-scoring contest," he added.
Pendleton County took on many opponents during the summer scrimmages that they'll see during the regular season, including Harrison County, Mason County, Campbell County, and some teams from the 9th Region. Monroe says he was mostly pleased with the results that transpired and can see progress from his players.
"We're trying to emphasize spacing on the floor when we have the ball. We have guys that can penetrate to the basket and we want to give them as much room as possible in order to do so. We also have guys who can knock down three-pointers so we want to create opportunities for that as well," Monroe explained.
Monroe says that the core of his team has embraced the new style of play and believes that it will allow them to have more freedom on the court. Senior guards Alex Beyst and Hunter Jack will look to provide shooting, dribble penetration, and leadership. Another senior guard/forward Hunter Cox returns to the program after a one-year absence. Monroe and his staff are excited about what Cox adds to the roster in being a versatile wing who brings plenty of athleticism, along with the ability to get to the basket and rebound. Fellow senior Austin Kirsch adds an element that no other player on the roster can match in being a 6'4" post presence who can score in a variety of ways. Monroe indicated that they'll need a big season from their big man if they want to have a successful season.
Junior guards Luke Gregg and Aden Merrill have seen their game grow by leaps and bounds over the past 12 months. Monroe calls Gregg the most improved player on the team and Merrill someone that he's putting his trust in to lead the team on the floor.
"Luke is easily our most improved player over the last several months. He's putting the work in and it's paying off. He's showing more of his all-around game in driving to the basket and finding his teammates. He also shot the ball well over the summer."
"Aden is our point guard for the next two years. He does a good job in handling the ball and getting away from pressure. He really came on strong during the second half of last season and we'll need him to continue that as we go forward."
Monroe went on to say that he feels the team has a good amount of depth and some promising underclassmen who will challenge his varsity players during practice. He noted that incoming freshman Hunter Keeton played very well and could earn varisty playing time entering the season.
Going forward, Coach Monroe said that the top priority will be making the team understand that an emphasis will be needed on defense and rebounding. The Wildcats will not pose much size overall on the roster, but Monroe feels that can be effective if everyone is fully locked in.
"We'll have to defend better than we have in the past and rebound. And I think a big part of that just comes from intensity and dedication. We have the ability to create turnovers with our speed and quickness".
Monroe and his Wildcats will continue working through the summer and fall months ahead of the start of regular season play in December. The team will be looking to post its first double-digit win total since 2019.