Central boys preview: Early growing pains could pay off for Tigers

~ Central's young players may benefit later in the season from a rough opening schedule.

With six sophomores on its varsity roster, Central could experience some early growing pains this season.

How the Tigers' younger players adjust to varsity competition and blend with Central's five juniors and seniors will go a long way in determining their success this season.

"I think it's going to be tough for us early with our young kids," Central coach Derek McCord said. "Our success this year depends on how quickly our sophomores rise to the occasion and challenges of the varsity level."

The Tigers do return two starters from last year, including 6-foot-8 junior Darnell Wilks. Wilks averaged about nine points and seven rebounds per game last season. Garrett Ozbun, a 6-3 senior, is the Tigers' other returning starter.

Among the younger players expected to make big contributions for the Tigers this season are 5-9 guard Jajuan Bell, Jeremy Kimble and Adrian Cox. Bell averaged 16 points at the junior varsity level last season and saw extensive varsity action down the stretch for the Tigers. Kimble and Cox each averaged in double figures at the JV level last year.

"We're optimistic about this season," McCord said. "We have a lot of young kids who are very versatile. We have a lot of kids that can play on the perimeter and who are not afraid to post up when they have to."

Central will have a tough early schedule with return trips to the Farmington Tournament and Exxon/Northwest Tournament scheduled in the first two weeks. If the Tigers can make it through those games healthy -- three of Central's top players missed time during parts of last season -- they could put themselves in good shape heading into the Christmas break.

"The first two weeks of the schedule could probably be the toughest of our season," McCord said. "We felt last year it made us a better team."

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CENTRAL BOYS

Coach: Derek McCord, fifth season

Assistants: Will Johnson, Andy Beck

Last season: 12-15

Conference: SEMO Conference

Returning starters

Darnell Wilks 6-8 Jr. F

Garrett Ozbun 6-3 Sr. F

Rest of roster

Adrian Cox, 5-6, So., G; Jajuan Bell, 5-9, So., G; Jared Thomas, 5-9, Sr., G; Jeremy Kimble, 6-0, So., G; William Zickfield, 6-4, Sr., G; Tyler Terry, 6-0, Jr., G; David Deisher, 6-4, Sr., C; Kourtney Lewis, 6-1, So., C; Noah Barr, 6-6, So., C; Landon Ewers, 6-6, So., C

Schedule

Nov. 28-Dec. 3 -- Farmington Tournament

Dec. 7-10 -- Exxon/Northwest Tournament

Dec. 16 -- Farmington

Dec. 20 -- at Kennett

Dec. 26-30 -- SE Missourian Christmas Tournament

Jan. 7 -- Tiger Shootout (Parkway South)

Jan 13 -- at New Madrid County Central

Jan. 17 -- at North County

Jan. 20 -- Caruthersville

Jan. 21 -- Francis Howell North

Jan. 24 -- Doniphan

Jan. 27 -- at Poplar Bluff

Jan. 31 -- vs. Notre Dame at Show Me Center

Feb. 3 -- at Wentzville-Holt

Feb. 7 -- Jackson

Feb. 10 -- Sikeston

Feb. 11 -- Mehlville

Feb. 14 -- at Charleston

Feb. 17 -- at Dexter