Hawks ready to soar back into contention

The Kelly boys’ basketball team is embarking on a season of renewal and rediscovery under the leadership of coach Noel Trimmer.

With a focus on developing individual talents and fostering a cohesive team dynamic, the Hawks are determined to reclaim their past glory and establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.

“ I just love to see players compete to the best of their abilities and I love the competition and comradery each year brings,” Trimmer said. “This is season number 41 for me and I am just as excited as I was in 1982 when I coached my first game.”

Trimmer’s extensive coaching experience and the team’s physical attributes bode well for their success this season. With over 490 varsity wins and multiple conference and district championships under his belt, Trimmer has proven his ability to lead teams to victory.

Kelly showcases an impressive combination of size, speed, and depth, allowing them to adapt to various game situations and control the tempo of play.

Returning seniors Dalton Forck, Michael Dollins, and Reece Eftink bring valuable experience and leadership to the team.

Forck’s towering 6-foot-8-inch frame will anchor the paint, while Dollins’ quickness and ball-handling skills will spark the offense.

Eftink’s versatility and defensive tenacity will provide a solid foundation for the team’s success.

Trimmer’s extensive coaching experience and the team’s physical attributes bode well for their success this season. With over 490 varsity wins and multiple conference and district championships under his belt, Trimmer has proven his ability to lead teams to victory.

The Hawks possess an impressive combination of size, speed, and depth, allowing them to adapt to various game situations and control the tempo of play.

Returning seniors Dalton Forck, Michael Dollins, and Reece Eftink bring valuable experience and leadership to the team.

Forck’s towering 6-foot-8-inch frame will anchor the paint, where he averaged 10 points and seven rebounds per game last season, shooting 55 percent from the field and earning all-conference honors. Dollins’ quickness and ball-handling skills will spark the offense, as he tallied 9.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season while also being selected all-conference. Eftink’s versatility and defensive tenacity will provide a solid foundation for the team’s success, as he averaged 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season.

“Dalton Forck will have a breakout season,” Trimmer said. “I believe our top five could be double-digit scorers but this all depends on how fast and how well they pick up the new system. We have a strong bench and I feel like we can go 12 deep this season.”

The roster is further bolstered by the return of junior sharpshooter Ross Peters, who will provide a potent scoring threat from beyond the arc. Senior Gavin Dugan’s imposing presence will solidify the team’s interior defense, while senior Cannon Kirkpatrick brings a well-rounded skill set to the lineup. The addition of junior Skylar Still injects a fresh dose of athleticism and versatility into the team, further enhancing their depth and potential.

“Our offense will run through our post players this season,” Trimmer said. “With our size, we need to pound the ball inside to [Forck and Eftink]. But our guards are all very good shooters so we will take advantage of open shots on the outside. Our defense will be mostly man and a few zone traps, with a lot of full-court pressure. We want to be competitive in the Scott Mississippi Conference. We want to be competitive in the Oran Invitational Tournament, the SEMO Christmas Tournament, and the Scott Mississippi Tournament and hopefully make some noise in the district tournament.”

Kelly opens its season on Monday, Nov. 27 at the 68th Annual Oran Invitational Tournament.