New Salem looks for another playoff run

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- The New Salem Baptist Academy boys' basketball team plays in the Missouri Christian School Athletic Association, an association that follows many of the same guidelines as the Missouri Sports High School Athletic Association.

One perk, though, is an early start that allowed the team to jump to a 5-1 record a week before Thanksgiving.

The team's only loss was to conference rival Southern Missouri Christian of Poplar Bluff, who had too much height for a team whose biggest player, John Davault, stands at only 6-feet.

"John is a pretty exciting player," coach Ken Jones said. "He is really quick and I expect him to be a true floor leader."

Experience and depth could hurt the Eagles since they rotate only eight players. Three juniors, a sophomore, two freshman, and two seventh graders make up the flock this season.

"We may be young, but we are playing good ball this year. Even better than last year," Jones said.

Does playing better ball than last year mean the Eagles will avenge their seven-point loss in the state championship game to Warrenton Christian?

Despite inexperience, the Eagles have their eyes set on it.

Junior David Green, at 5-11, will be expected to lead his Eagles on the floor. Jones has designated him floor captain.

"David is a good all around player," Jones said.

Joe Davault, the younger brother of John, will draw the toughest defensive assignments. Standing at 5-10 and weighing 190 pounds, his strong presence could allow him to defend the opponent's biggest post player.

"He always gets to guard their best guy," Brown said. "You just have to see him play to appreciate him."

Andy Yount will also see valuable playing time as a sophomore at the forward position. Andrew Conway, a 5-10 junior, has already poured in 16 points in a contest this year.

"He brings the lunch pale and does the hard work inside," Jones said.

Scoring points isn't something that Jones is worried about, though. The team has been led by four different players in its first six games and he expects everyone to lead the team at some point this season.

"Every kid we put on the floor can score," Jones said. "We run an offense so that every kid can score. We put them in a situation to score."

The Eagles have already played a game this season in which seven of their players scored in double figures.

Jones stresses the emphasis on being a team this season. He said that if the team works hard together, they can be another postseason threat.

"What you are going to find is that the key to our success is the balance and hard work," Jones said. "All five kids can play offense and defense. We are interchangeable."