Advance looks to build on successful seasons

ADVANCE, Mo. -- After back-to-back strong seasons, the Advance Hornets look to be in good position in the competitive Stoddard County Conference.

With a combined 38 wins in the past two seasons and four of their top seven players coming back, coach Jim Hall says he's excited about the Hornets' chances.

"I think we'll be very competitive," Hall said.

The Hornets return their leading scorer, Jared Ritter, who averaged 15.9 points last year at the shooting guard position. Eric O'Hare returns at forward, where he averaged seven points per game.

With the combination of Ritter, O'Hare and several other returning players, Hall doesn't anticipate his offense having problems scoring.

"Offensively we'll be able to score some points," Hall said.

Other returning lettermen include guard Jason Bahr, who scored 6.3 points per game, and center Zach Hudson, who put up 4.5 points. Bahr and Hudson played in every game last year and were the first two off the bench. Both are likely to start. Zach Kelley will likely round out the starting lineup at the other forward spot.

Hall said he his team's strong work ethic will be a key to the season.

"One of our strong points is the attitude," he said.

While Advance lacks size, the team does have several strong shooters and speed. The Hornets, who scored nine three-pointers in a single quarter last season, will have outside shooters back this season in Ritter, O'Hare and Bahr.

"The three point shot is definitely one of our weapons," Hall said.

One major difference this season will be the presence of Hall, who last season was in Georgia receiving treatment for colon cancer the first part of the season.

Hall said his assistants stepped up last year while he was gone, but he is happy to be able to be with the team from the start.

"I think it undoubtedly helps to be there with them from the beginning," he said.

Coming off the bench for the Hornets will be Riland Dunivan, Devon Long, Ace Cloniger, Jacob Daniel and Matt Ward. Ward is the only senior in the group, with the others all juniors.

Hall said his team is still in the process of trying to develop the depth it has.

"The bench right now is inexperienced in varsity play," he said.

With little experience coming off the bench the starters will once again be relied on to account for the bulk of the scoring. The Hornets, besides their three-point capability, also display a versatile lineup with their main post players in Hudson and Kelley doing a lot of work facing the basket.

"We've got a little versatility because both Kelley, Hudson and O'Hare can play in and out," Hall said.

While Advance should be solid offensively, the Hornets will focus on defense in practice. The team will look to pressure when it can, but being able to guard one-on-one will likely be a key.

"I think basically how well we develop defensively and how are bench develops will determine what kind of team we have," Hall said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171