Advance boys basketball team aims for return to final four

When Advance won a district title and reached the Class 1 final four last year, it may have been a bit of an over-achievement. Now, with four starters returning in 2015-16, last year's weakness -- inexperience -- is gone, leaving the program with high expectations. Coach Bubba Wheetley's biggest concern is whether his team is ready to handle those expectations.

"They're good kids, but I've got to get them to understand they've got to work hard," Wheetley said. "We've got to help the light come on. The last two years we peaked at the right time. I hope it happens again.

"You have to be confident and you've got to believe in yourselves, but I think they take it a little for granted. You can't let your guard down. We've got a target on our back and these kids better understand it. I've preached it from the last day we played last year, every day in practice, 'Boys, they're coming to get you.'"

Wheetley says he believes that when the going got tough in a semifinal loss to eventual champion Meadville last year, his team's lack of experience was exposed. This time, though, they've been there and done that. The key offensively will be finding a complement to the squad's outside shooting. The Hornets shot 42 percent from outside the arc last season, led by returnees Brian Whitson (65 3-pointers made, 47 percent) and Preston Wuebker (50 made, 39 percent)

Junior Dawson Mayo, the team's leading rebounder (8.4 rebounds per game), and senior Austin Ladd will be crucial in offering that balance.

Advance expects its offense to be just fine, but Wheetley wants to see more out of his group on the boards and the defensive end.

"It's going to come down to our defense," the coach said. "Pressure, pressure, pressure and rebound the ball."

With four starters returning, there will be some room for someone to make a new -- or bigger impact. Look for sophomore Armani Vermillion, who came off the bench last season, to have a chance to be that guy. Senior C.J. Seger is another who will factor in the rotation.

Right now, it's not about talent for the Hornets, it's about hunger.

"At the end [of last season], we talked about it," Wheetley said. "I told them, 'For us to get back here again we're going to have to work hard.' I'm a little disappointed so far. *... I don't know. Time will tell."

Players to watch

Advance has a reputation as a sharp-shooting team. Mayo, however, may be the key, as the multi-year starter needs to provide his squad with a dangerous inside presence.

"Last year we didn't have the inside game," Wheetley said. "Mayo has to score more. He has to give us a threat. You're not going to win a state championship by just shooting 3s."

The athletic Vermillion also could be an X-factor, now with more on his shoulders.

"I've expected him to get right in there and be one of our top players," Wheetley said. "He has to and he has the ability.

"On the offensive end he's attacking the rim well. He'll make mistakes, sure, but I don't think the pressure will get to him. I'm looking forward to watching him this year."

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Class 1 District 2

Conference

Stoddard County Activities Association

Head coach

Bubba Wheetley

(3rd year)

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ROSTER

No. Player Year

1 Armani Vermillion 10

3 Michael Hood 10

13 Brendan Crader 11

21 Dakota Welty 12

22 Preston Wuebker 11

23 CJ Seger 12

25 Brian Whitson 12

30 Austin Ladd 12

50 Dawson Mayo 11

STARTERS GONE

Dalton Wilson

STARTERS BACK

Austin Ladd

Dawson Mayo

Brian Whitson

Preston Wuebker

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SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time

11/30 Oran Invitational Tourn.

12/8 @Bell City 7:30 p.m.

12/11 Puxico 7:30 p.m.

12/18 Bloomfield 7:30 p.m.

12/26 SEMissourian Xmas Tourn.

1/5 Scott City 7:30 p.m.

1/8 @Bernie 7:30 p.m.

1/12 Chaffee 7:30 p.m.

1/15 @Richland 7:30 p.m.

1/19 Zalma 7:30 p.m.

1/21 at Notre Dame 7:30 p.m.

1/22 Meadow Heights 7:30 p.m.

1/25 SCAA Conference Tourn.

2/1 @Scott Co. Central 7:30 p.m.

2/5 @Dexter 7:30 p.m.

2/9 @Woodland 7:30 p.m.

2/12 @Leopold 7:30 p.m.

2/13 vs. Risco 2:30 p.m.

2/16 Oran 7:30 p.m.

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LAST SEASON

LEADERS

Points: Dalton Wilson (15.3 ppg)

Rebounds: Dawson Mayo (8.4 rpg)

Assists: Wilson (3.5 apg)

RECORD

19-11