Chestnutt-led Central has eyes on tall goals

The talk of the SEMO Conference in the offseason centered on the frenzied recruiting of Poplar Bluff's junior center Tyler Hansbrough.

But league rival Central has a talented 6-foot-8 center of its own: Scott Chestnutt highlights a group of four returning starters from last year's district runner-up.

Central coach Derek McCord said Chestnutt enters the season in better shape and looks for big things from his center.

"He's very skilled offensively," McCord said. "He can shoot the ball and he can run the floor."

The Tigers will use a combination of strong guard-play and the inside presence of Chestnutt to make a run at their first district title since 1997.

"I like our team," McCord said. "This is our third year out. When you build a house, you build a foundation first."

The play of Central's guards will be vital to a team that lacks size. Chestnutt gives the Tigers an inside presence, but behind him there is little help.

Central will look for contributions from first-year player Todd Obergoenner (6-foot-3), sophomore Garrett Ozbun (6-3), senior Alex Espinoza (6-0), senior Tyson Seabaugh (5-11) and junior Karl Bratcher (6-7).

"I think our depth in the interior is questionable," McCord said. "We don't have a lot of size other than Scott."

Although the Tigers lack experience down low, they have one of the top back-court duos in the conference. Ryan Delph was second in scoring (14 points) last season. Point guard Will Johnson also returns after playing wide receiver for the football team, and Jake Knepp adds to a three-guard lineup for the Tigers.

Other players expected to contribute at guard include Alex Ray, Alex Braxton and Eli Harris.

With the Tigers' depth at the guard spot McCord will try to employ a running offense. Central averaged nearly 70 points last season, a number McCord wants to be closer to 80.

"We want to go up and down and create a lot of shooting opportunities," McCord said.

Besides getting some easy points on the break, the Tigers will also look to step up their free throw production. Chestnutt's inside moves along with the driving abilities of Central's guards should lead to more free throw attempts.

"We're hoping guys like Ryan and Jake can get to the free throw line more," McCord said.

Central will have to do a better job of taking advantage of its free opportunities after shooting a little more than 60 percent from the line last season.

"There's a lot of areas from last year we can improve," McCord said.

One area the Tigers should see improvement in is court leadership. Central could start as many as five seniors this season.

"For the first time in three years I have a lot of seniors," McCord said. "I'm looking for them to step up into leadership roles."

During the early going though McCord will have to deal with trying to bring togehter his new players along with the infusion of several football players, including Tyrone Reece and Gabe Edwards.