Jackson boys preview: Jackson tries to clear obstacle presented by two-time state champion Poplar Bluff

~ With 6-foot-11 center Redecker returning, the Indians can put a big lineup on the floor.

Jackson has enjoyed two of its most successful seasons in school history over the past two years, only to have its season ended in the district final each time by two-time Class 5 state champion Poplar Bluff.

Despite losing its top two scorers in all-state guard Jack Puisis and post player Ryan Mirly, the Indians should be primed to make a run at the post-Tyler Hansbrough Mules.

Replacing all of the big shots made by Puisis will be a difficult task for the Indians.

One player who's workload will likely increase is 6-11 center Aaron Redecker. Redecker's steady improvement over the past two seasons has helped the senior earn NCAA Division I attention.

"Aaron's improved a ton from last year, both in his physical strength and his skills," Jackson coach Darrin Scott said. "I've been really impressed with how he's progressed."

Depth will be the Indians' strength. Along with a large group of returning varsity players, they will receive contributions from some of last year's junior varsity standouts.

"The good thing for us with the players we have our practices have been really competitive," Scott said. "This is the most balanced team I've coached from one to 13. These kids can do a lot all the way down the lineup."

Another thing Jackson has going for it is size. The Indians only have one player listed on their varsity roster under 6 feet tall, while seven players are listed at 6-3 or taller.

"Last year we were big with Ryan [Mirly] and Aaron, but we weren't big past that," Scott said. "This year we have good overall size. This is the biggest team I've coached."

---

JACKSON BOYS

Coach: Darrin Scott, second season

Assistants: Pete Townsend, Drew Church, Ron Cook, Reagan McDowell

Last season: 23-4, lost to Poplar Bluff in Class 5 District 1 final

Conference: SEMO Conference

Returning starters

Aaron Redecker 6-11 Sr. C

Kyle Pridemore 6-1 Sr. G

Rest of roster

Drue McNeely, 6-1, Sr., G; Trey Stone, 6-2, Sr., F; Tyler Grantham, 6-3, Sr., F; Colby Illers, 6-5, Sr., F; Josh LaForest, 6-2, Sr., G; Ryan Leet, 6-3, Sr., G; Spencer Goodman, 6-5, So., G; Hunter Grantham, 6-5, So., F; Jacob Leet, 6-2, So., G; Steven Spradlin, 6-4, Jr., G/F; Logan Lawson, 5-10, Jr., G

Schedule

Nov. 26 -- Riverbend Classic

Nov. 28-Dec. 2 -- Farmington tournament

Dec. 6 -- Scott City, 6 p.m.

Dec. 9 -- Dexter, 6 p.m.

Dec. 10 -- Lafayette (Heartland Hoopfest), 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 -- at Hillsboro, 6 p.m.

Dec. 16 -- at Kennett, 6 p.m.

Dec. 22 -- at Wentzville, TBA

Dec. 26-30 -- SE Missourian Christmas Tournament

Jan. 7 -- Central Shootout

Jan. 10 -- Woodland, 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 -- at Notre Dame, 6 p.m.

Jan. 17 -- at Poplar Bluff, 6 p.m.

Jan. 24 -- Sikeston, 6 p.m.

Jan. 27 -- Caruthersville, 6 p.m.

Jan. 31 -- at Charleston, 6 p.m.

Feb. 3 -- Farmington, 6 p.m.

Feb. 7 -- at Central, 6 p.m.

Feb. 10 -- New Madrid, 6 p.m.

Feb. 14 -- Kelly, 6 p.m.