BOYS
Coach: Scott Hodges
20-21 Record: 16-10
Scott Hodges said his Broncos basketball team had a big group of guys returning from last year’s 16-10 team. “We return four starters, and our depth will be very important for us this year,” Hodges said. “We have an experienced group who plays hard and plays together. We’re looking to make a run in Class 6A this year.” Included in the return are Austin Smith (6-2, Sr.) who Hodges calls a three-point sniper, Ethan Scott (5-10, Sr.) who has 1,200 career points, Jacobe Johnson (6-3, Jr.) who averages 17 points per game. Both Scott and Johnson have been named to the VYPE Top 100 and are expected to have great seasons. Jacob Henderson (6-6, Sr.) is the big man the team will look to in the paint while Reese Strange (6-4, Sr.) started every game his junior season, is back for more. The roster also includes Kaden Bogard (5-11, Jr.), Bryson Sharp (6-1, Jr.), and Keegan Bass (5-11, Jr.) who Hodges said was also a standout football player.
GIRLS
Coach: Katie Smith (Bass)
20-21 Record: 20-6
Coach Smith’s confidence in her basketball squad this year is evidenced in the terse information she provided about them. “We are a very experienced team,” she said. “We will have strong senior leaders this year.” The proof is in the roster, where she’ll feature Karley Johnson (5-8, Sr.), who has committed to the University of Arkansas and who got COAC All-Conference last season. Also filling out the roster for Smith is Randi Harding (5-7, Sr.) who Smith said was “one of the best point guards in the state.” Talia Pogi (5-8, Sr.) also has several college offers at shooting guard, Kate Niehues (5-11, Sr.) who was described as “the most athletic player we have,” and Lunden Foreman (5-7, Jr.) has the best three-point percentage on the team. Pogi and Johnson were named to the VYPE Top 100. Expectations have reached new heights as Mustang fields another loaded team in Class 6A. Young players must mature and be ready to step in if needed.
