Kelly boys preview: Johnson's second year will present different challenge

Cory Johnson had quite a debut season as the Kelly boys coach last year, but his second campaign holds plenty of question marks.

That, however, doesn't seem to faze the former Southeast Missouri State sharpshooting guard.

"We lost a lot of scoring, but I'm pretty excited. They'll give me their best effort every night," Johnson said. "There's a lot of parity in the area, and I think we'll be able to compete with most teams."

The Hawks were 21-6 last year, losing in the Class 3 District 2 championship game to eventual state runner-up Charleston. Kelly also finished second in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament, falling to Jackson in overtime.

"I couldn't have asked for a better first year," Johnson said. "I had a great group of kids."

Kelly's lone returning starter is 6-foot-2 senior forward Jordan Felter, who averaged about seven points and a team-leading 12 rebounds per game.

Several other players saw minutes off the bench last year, including seniors Jacob Glastetter, Thomas DeBrock, Brandon Ayers and Russell Carroll.

Johnson will also be counting on several players up from the junior varsity team, including Spencer Ayers, who led that squad in scoring.

"Right now, I don't know who will start," Johnson said. "We've got 13 players and I could probably play any one of them at any time, but the guys with the most experience will probably have a leg up."

Added Johnson: "We're not as talented, but we're deeper this year. We'll use a lot of guys and hopefully be able to pressure a little more."

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Coach: Cory Johnson, second season

Assistant: Matt Hale

Last season: 21-6, lost to Charleston in Class 3 District 2 final

Conference: Scott-Mississippi Conference

Returning starters

Jordan Felter 6-2 Sr. F

Rest of roster

Jacob Glastetter, 5-11, Sr., G/F; Thomas DeBrock, 6-2, Sr., F; Brandon Ayers, 6-1, Sr., G; Russell Carroll, 5-11, Sr., G; Derek Brucker, 5-11, Sr., G; Steven Strobel, 5-9, Sr., G; Tyler Thurman, 5-9, Jr., G; Spencer Ayers, 6-3, Jr., C; Dallas Tew, 6-2, Jr., F; Zach Hamm, 6-6, Jr., F; Kyle Chipman, 5-10, Jr., G; Brad Coleman, 5-9, Jr., G

Schedule

Nov. 28-Dec. 2 -- Oran tournament

Dec. 6 -- Portageville, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 9 -- St. Vincent, 5 p.m.

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

Dec. 16 -- at Woodland, 6 p.m.

Dec. 26-29 -- SE Missourian Christmas tourney

Jan. 3 -- Advance, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 -- at Perryville, 5 p.m.

Jan. 10 -- Scott County Central, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 -- Chaffee, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 16-20 -- Scott-Miss. tournament

Jan. 24 -- at Notre Dame, 5 p.m.

Jan. 27 -- at Sikeston, 6 p.m.

Feb. 3 -- Delta, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 -- Scott City, 6 p.m.

Feb. 10 -- at East Prairie, 6 p.m.

Feb. 14 -- at Jackson, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 -- Bell City, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 -- at Oran, 5 p.m.